8/6 Silva to have diagnostic test

Carlos Silva, who was pulled from his last start because of an abnormal heart rate, will undergo a diagnostic test Monday that could potentially include a cardiac ablation. Silva, 31, has been evaluated since he returned from Denver on Monday. He was hospitalized overnight in Denver after being pulled from Sunday’s game after four batters. He was expected to pitch again this year.

The pitcher can look to the quick recovery of former Cubs infielder Mark DeRosa, who underwent a cardiac ablation in Spring Training 2008 because of an abnormal heart rate. DeRosa was back in action about two weeks after the procedure.

The diagnostic test Monday involves having a catheter inserted through his groin area. Doctors are looking for an abnormal pathway that is causing the irregular heart beat.

– Carrie Muskat