Relax, Cubs fans, there's no need to panic after all, at least if you believe the company line. Carlos Zambrano finally underwent an MRI yesterday (one day after inexplicably skipping his previously scheduled exam) and the results weren't all that bad, just a touch of inflammation and rotator cuff tendinitis. He received an anti-inflammatory shot, and if all goes well, he could end up missing just one start. From Dave van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune:"Hopefully, by time we get to St. Louis [on Tuesday] he will throw [in the bullpen]," general manager Jim Hendry said. "If that proceeds in a positive fashion, he will be ready to start, probably by the end of the series in Houston."Is mere rest and a touch of cortisone all he needs? It's possible. After posting a 1.78 ERA in five July starts, Zambrano posted a 7.43 ERA in five August starts. On the surface, such a sudden drop in performance suggests there might something more serious going on in Big Z's arm ... if only it didn't look so familiar.
"So he'll just be missing, hopefully, this one start. Obviously, he'll have to get his strength back from not pitching. Once the shot takes its proper course, he will begin throwing in St. Louis."
Last season, Zambrano posted a 1.39 ERA in July followed by a 7.06 ERA in August. What happened down the stretch run? Zambrano re-discovered his groove with a 3.44 ERA in six September starts. It's frustrating, but inconsistency is a hallmark of Zambrano's career, as is being an workhorse who always bounces back. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that he'll be okay.
