Cubs OF Soriano now 'pain free'

Apr 22, 2008 - 8:17 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano, currently on the 15-day disabled list with a right calf strain, hopes to begin more strenuous running this week.

Soriano is eligible to come of the DL on May 1, when the Cubs host the Milwaukee Brewers.

"There's no more pain," Soriano told the Cubs' web site Tuesday. "It's still a little sore, but no more pain."

Soriano has been hitting off a batting tee in the clubhouse during the eight-game homestand, which ends with Tuesday's contest against the New York Mets.

Prior to suffering the injury, Soriano had moved back to the leadoff spot in the lineup, However, he also had gotten off to a slow start, batting just .175 with a .230 on-base percentage.

With Soriano sidelined, Reed Johnson has excelled in the leadoff spot, hitting .346 with a .417 on-base percentage heading into Tuesday's contest.