Chicago Cubs pitcher/formerly angry guy Carlos Zambrano is expected to return to the team next weekend, around July 30, when the Cubs head to Colorado to take on the Rockies.
The plan for Zambrano is for him to pitch out of the bullpen for Iowa until he joins the big league team in Denver the weekend of July 30th.
Zambrano pitched one inning and surrendered one hit on Monday in his only outing for the Cubs’ Mesa, Ariz., rookie league team. ESPN Chicago.
Zambrano has been out since a dugout outburst on June 25 led to a suspension and anger management.
It remains to be seen how he’ll be received by his teammates upon his return, but, given that they’re all professionals, I imagine the reception will be warm enough.
Zambrano will pitch out of the bullpen when he returns unless there’s an opening in the rotation by virtue of a trade or injury, and the Cubs hope he looks excellent – whatever his role – for the rest of the season so that they can at least explore the option of moving him in the winter.