Cubs RHP Zambrano scratched from start

Aug 31, 2008 - 6:24 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Chicago Cubs righthander Carlos Zambrano was scratched from Sunday's start against the Philadelphia Phillies due to arm fatigue .

With a 5 1/2 game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central Division and boasting the best record in the major leagues at 85-51, the Cubs have not had much to worry about recently. But they may have a reason to be concerned about Zambrano, who is just 1-1 with a 7.43 ERA in five August starts.

In his last outing on Tuesday, Zambrano yielded six runs and eight hits in only 4 1/3 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

According to the Cubs' web site, Zambrano, who is 13-5 overall, likely will not make his next start until Tuesday or Wednesday.

Sean Marshall will make a spot start in Zambrano's absence in the finale of a four-game series against the Phillies. Marshall is 3-23 with a 3.52 ERA in 27 appearances for the Cubs this season.

He pitched well in his last start against the Florida Marlins on August 16, giving up two runs and four hits while striking out eight over five innings.