5/29 Zambrano news on horizon

Lou Piniella wants to see who he needs Saturday against the Cardinals before announcing who will be bumped from the rotation to make room for Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano will be in the ‘pen Saturday, which could be his last relief appearance. The right-hander made four starts, then switched to a relief role April 22 to make room for Ted Lilly in the rotation and try to fill the set-up spot in the bullpen. But Zambrano asked to start again, and he’ll get his first game either Monday or Wednesday in Pittsburgh.

The Cubs needed the bullpen to help out Friday after starter Randy Wells was knocked out in the first inning without retiring a batter. Wells will be on call in the ‘pen Saturday for Game 2 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

“After today, we’ll have it for you,” Lou Piniella said Saturday of his rotation in Pittsburgh. “After today, it’ll sort itself out and we’ll have some word on the rotation.”

Lilly will start Tuesday. Monday would be Tom Gorzelanny’s turn in the rotation and he has appeared to be the odd man out when Zambrano returns.

– Carrie Muskat