3/4 Cubs probable pitchers

Here’s the pitching probables for the Cubs’ upcoming four games, including Sunday’s split squad:

Friday: Carlos Zambrano, Casey Coleman, Jeff Stevens, John Gaub, Marcus Mateo, Justin Berg.

Saturday: Carlos Silva, Carlos Marmol, James Russell, Andrew Cashner, Jeff Kennard, John Grabow.

Sunday vs. Dodgers: Tom Gorzelanny, Thomas Diamond, Jay Jackson, Brian Schlitter, Mike Parisi, Esmailin Caridad.

Sunday vs. White Sox: Jeff Samardzija, Mitch Atkins, J.R. Mathes, Gaub, Stevens, Blake Parker.

All of the pitchers are subject to change. All have an opportunity with the Cubs. There are two openings in the rotation and two in the bullpen.

“I like young pitchers,” Lou Piniella said Thursday. “They have to be able to throw strikes, that’s the only thing. If they don’t throw strikes, it makes it difficult. With young pitchers, they can get better and there’s a good upside. We’ve got some nice young arms here and we’ll utilize them. Let’s see how they perform. I would expect a couple young pitchers will leave camp with us.”

– Carrie Muskat