MLB odds: Cubs' Wood back but not yet closing

By Jordan Walters
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

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Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood was activated from the disabled list in time for Tuesday’s game against Houston, but Lou Piniella said that the right-hander will be used in middle relief rather than immediately resume his role as the closer.

"He's the manager," Wood said. "I'm going to do what he says. I just want to get back out there and pitch."

Wood had not pitched in the majors pitched since July 11 because of a blister on his right index finger. Carlos Marmol likely will keep the closer duties until Wood has pitched in at least one tuneup game, which could come as early as Tuesday. Bob Howry and rookie Jeff Samardzija are also options to close out games.

“When Woody gets ready for [closing], he's right back in his role," said Piniella, who wants to see Wood in action since he didn’t take a minor-league rehab assignment. "He's done a nice job for us. Until then, I've got confidence in three of them down there."

Wood has a 3.02 ERA and 24 saves in 29 chances and the trip to the DL was the 12th in 10 years for the former starter.

To make room on the roster, the club designated left-hander Scott Eyre for assignment less than two months after his club-record streak of 33 consecutive scoreless appearances ended. Chicago tried to trade the lefty but found no offers to their liking. Still, look for a contending team that needs a situation lefty to work out a deal for Eyre.

 

Eyre had pitched only once since June 26 and not at all since July 31. He was 2-0 with a 7.15 ERA in 19 appearances this season and also had two stints on the disabled list.

Eyre cleared waivers and the Cubs have seven days to try to trade him for a prospect, but the Cubs will be on the hook for his $1 million remaining salary.

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