7/25 Zambrano update

Carlos Zambrano struck out three in two innings of relief in Iowa’s 4-2, 13-inning win over Round Rock Saturday. Zambrano followed starter Thomas Diamond and pitched the seventh and eighth innings. He threw 29 pitches, 17 for strikes. Zambrano struck out the first batter he faced, got the next to ground out, then Brian Esposito singled to left. The next batter grounded out to Zambrano to end the inning.

Zambrano did get an at-bat leading off the eighth and singled. He was forced at second on a double play. He went back to pitching in the eighth and struck out two, both swinging, and also got a groundout.

Big Z is on the restricted list and expected to rejoin the Cubs at the end of the week in Colorado. He has not pitched for Chicago since June 25.

– Carrie Muskat