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Cubs' ace Zambrano returns for showdown with Cards

Jul 4, 2008 - 1:10 PM Chicago (51-35) at St. Louis (49-38) 8:15 pm. EDT

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Carlos Zambrano is returning from the disabled list just in time for the slumping Chicago Cubs. Zambrano makes his first start in more than two weeks on Friday as the National League Central-leading Cubs visit the second place Cardinals in the opener of a four-game series.

Chicago lost for the seventh time in 10 contests on Thursday, as Tim Lincecum threw six solid innings and Rich Aurilia hit a pinch-hit, three-run homer to lead the San Francisco Giants to an 8-3 victory.

Zambrano (8-3, 3.13 ERA) has been out since being placed on the DL for the first time in his career on June 19. "Big Z" threw a bullpen session on Sunday and declared himself ready for his first start since June 18 when he was lifted after 6 2/3 innings with shoulder discomfort.

Zambrano has dominated the Cardinals in his career to the tune of a 8-4 mark with a 2.37 ERA in 19 games, but has not faced them this season. Cubs manager Lou Piniella told the team's web site they will monitor his pitch count and keep it around 85-90. Nevertheless, he is excited to have his ace back.

"We're starting to get a little healthier, we can use it," Piniella said. "You need your horses going."

St. Louis, which suffered an 11-1 setback to New York on Friday, sends Braden Looper (9-5, 4.26) to the hill.

Looper, who is 2-0 with a 2.48 ERA in his last four starts, labored through his last start. The righthander allowed three runs - two earned - and six hits, but was lifted after throwing 78 pitches in 3 1/3 innings of a 9-6 win over Kansas City.