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Cubs-Rockies Preview

Aug 9, 2009 - 5:53 AM By DAN PIERINGER STATS Writer

Chicago (57-50) at Colorado (60-49), 3:10 p.m. EDT

When Carlos Zambrano went on the disabled list early this season, the Chicago Cubs promoted Randy Wells from the minors to serve as their stopgap while their ace recovered.

Because Wells has held on to that spot in the rotation with arguably the best season by a Chicago starter this year, the Cubs probably feel better equipped to deal with Zambrano's current injury than they did his last one.

After learning that Zambrano will be sidelined at least two weeks with a back problem, Wells looks to continue his stellar rookie season by winning his fifth straight start Sunday against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Wells (8-4, 2.73 ERA) made his first start in the majors May 8, filling in for the injured Zambrano. He threw five scoreless innings against Milwaukee that night, an auspicious start to what could be the Cubs' second consecutive NL Rookie of the Year winner. Catcher Geovany Soto won the award last season.

Wells' 2.73 ERA is the best among Cubs starters that have made at least two starts, and only All-Star Ted Lilly has more wins (nine). After poor run support and bullpen problems helped keep him winless over his first seven outings, Wells has won eight of nine starts, including four straight.

"He's pitched exceedingly well," manager Lou Piniella said after Wells held Cincinnati to one run in 7 1-3 innings of a 4-2 road victory Monday. "What a nice job, huh? Where would we be without this young man?"

Wells said he's not focused on being Chicago's new Zambrano, just staying focused and consistent on the mound.

"Remember where you came from," Wells said when asked to explain his approach. "Remember where you were a few months ago. Don't try to throw shutouts. Don't try to win Rookie of the Year."

While Wells' emergence and the chance that Lilly could return from a shoulder injury in a little over a week will help offset the loss of Zambrano, the Cubs might have a harder time replacing Aramis Ramirez.

The star third baseman left Chicago's 6-5 win over Colorado (60-50) on Saturday in the fifth inning because of soreness in his left shoulder, and he won't play Sunday.

Ramirez, who is hitting .317 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs in 43 games, dislocated the shoulder diving for a grounder against Milwaukee on May 8. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list the next day and was activated July 6. He said the shoulder has been bothering him most of this season.

"This has been a season for all seasons with the adversities we've had," Piniella said. "What are you going to do. You have to keep playing and tough it out. That's what these guys have been doing, to their credit."

The Cubs' latest injury news overshadowed Saturday's victory. Kosuke Fukudome and Derrek Lee homered as Chicago rebounded from consecutive defeats to stay within one game of division-leading St. Louis.

Colorado lost for the third time in four games since a five-game winning streak and fell one game behind San Francisco in the wild card race. It's still one game ahead of Chicago.

Jason Hammel (6-6, 4.62) will start for the Rockies on Sunday. The right-hander gave up three runs in 6 2-3 innings of an 8-3 win over Philadelphia on Tuesday, his first win in seven starts since June 26.

Both Hammel and Wells are facing the opposing team for the first time.