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Cubs-Braves Preview

Jun 4, 2009 - 5:21 AM By MATT BECKER STATS Senior Writer

Chicago (25-25) at Atlanta (26-25), 7:10 p.m. EDT

Chicago Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano had an eventful week - and he didn't even pitch.

After serving a suspension and missing a team flight, Zambrano is slated to make his first start in eight days for the Cubs, who try to build off an extra-inning victory and take two of three from the new-look Atlanta Braves on Thursday night.

Zambrano (3-2, 4.22 ERA) was suspended for six games by Major League Baseball last Thursday, a day after his meltdown in a 5-2 home win over Pittsburgh.

The excitable Zambrano, who allowed two runs and seven hits with six strikeouts in 6 1-3 innings, was ejected after arguing a call at the plate. The right-hander then threw a baseball into left field, slammed his glove against the dugout fence and took a bat to a dugout drink dispenser before heading to the clubhouse.

Bob Watson, baseball's vice president in charge of discipline, cited Zambrano for "inappropriate and violent actions on the field and in the dugout."

In addition, Zambrano missed the team flight to Atlanta. Manager Lou Piniella has not said if Zambrano was disciplined and the three-time All-Star refused to talk about the incident.

"I don't have anything to say," he told the team's official Web site. "What do you want me to say?"

Zambrano, who was on the disabled list in mid-May due to a left hamstring strain, hasn't earned a victory since May 3. He's one win away from reaching 100 in his career, but hasn't defeated the Braves (26-26) since July 15, 2002 - a span of nine starts.

He pitched well enough to get a victory in his only appearance against Atlanta last season, yielding two runs and eight hits in seven innings of a 3-2, 11-inning victory on June 12.

The Cubs (26-25) suffered a disappointing 6-5, 12-inning loss to the Braves on Tuesday, but bounced back to win 3-2 in 11 on Wednesday.

Pinch-hitter Micah Hoffpauir's bloop single plated the go-ahead run as Chicago won for the fifth time in eight games and remained four games behind NL Central-leading Milwaukee.

The Braves trail NL East-leading Philadelphia by 5 1/2 games and made a trade earlier on Wednesday to try and help narrow that gap.

Atlanta acquired All-Star Nate McLouth from Pittsburgh for three minor leaguers. The Gold Glove center fielder is expected to be in the lineup for the finale.

McLouth, who is hitting .256 and was leading the Pirates with nine home runs and 34 RBIs in 45 games, is just 1 for 11 with a homer against the Cubs this season.

"He gives us everything we're looking for," Atlanta general manager Frank Wren said. "He gives us an extra outfield bat. He gives us speed. He gives us defense. He brings a lot to the table."

In another move Wednesday, the Braves released 305-game winner Tom Glavine when it seemed he was ready to return to rotation following shoulder and elbow surgery. Instead, top prospect Tommy Hanson will be called up Saturday to start against the Brewers.

"Sentimentally, it stinks," said Chipper Jones, a teammate of Glavine's from 1995-2002 and last season. "But optimistically, looking into the future, it's a step in the right direction."

Jair Jurrjens (5-2, 2.59) has been leading Atlanta's rotation this year and looks to bounce back from his worst outing of the season.

Jurrjens, who boasts the NL's sixth-best ERA, allowed a season-high five runs and eight hits in five innings in Friday's 10-6 win at Arizona. The right-hander had allowed two runs or fewer in each of his previous eight starts, going 2-2 with a 1.98 ERA.

This will be Jurrjens' first career appearance against the Cubs.