4/23 Big Z to 'pen; could pitch Saturday

Carlos Zambrano will be in the Cubs bullpen on Friday but it’s unlikely he’ll be called on to pitch. Lou Piniella said the right-hander most likely will be available Saturday.

“We’ll send him out there tonight but I think we’ll probably use him [Saturday],” Piniella said. “We’ll let him get a little acclimated tonight.”

Zambrano, the Cubs’ Opening Day starter who is switching to a set-up role after four starts, threw on the side Thursday. His last start was Tuesday in New York when he threw 119 pitches.

“I think all of us in the clubhouse care about whatever it takes to win a game,” Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly said. “We’re a team. Carlos is an important part of that team. He’s a very gifted pitcher and I think whatever role that we put him into, he’ll do well. I think he expects to do well.”

– Carrie Muskat