Chicago Cubs outfielder Xavier Nady is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery last year, and was expected to be ready to do some DH’ing this past weekend. The throwing program he’s on, however, wore him down, and he wasn’t ready to risk jacking up his arm at the plate.
By Thursday, the Cubs think he’ll be ready.
Lou Piniella said they considered using a designated hitter on Wednesday against the Giants so Nady could play. But Carlos Zambrano is starting that day for the Cubs.
“The only problem [with Wednesday] is the ‘Big Z’ is pitching,” Piniella said. “Thursday might be a good day to start [Nady]. Give Big Z an at-bat or two and he’ll be very happy.” Muskat Ramblings.
It’s still not a concern that Nady isn’t batting, but he’ll need to start soon, if only to get his rhythm back. This isn’t just a guy needing Spring Training to get ready for the season – Nady hasn’t faced Major League pitching since April of 2009.