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Marlins look to rebound against Cubs

Jul 24, 2008 - 11:11 AM Florida (53-48) at Chi Cubs (59-42), 8:05 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Despite Wednesday's loss to the Atlanta Braves, the Florida Marlins still find themselves in the thick of the National League East race.

The Marlins, who own a major league-best 22 comeback victories, hope to rebound in the opener of a four-game set against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.

Scott Olsen (6-4, 3.84 ERA) gets the call and is looking for his third straight win. The 24-year-old lefthander has given up three runs or less in seven of his last 10 starts and will be facing the Cubs for the first time this season.

Chicago will counter with Carlos Zambrano (10-4, 2.98), who is coming off a 4-1 loss to the Houston Astros in which he surrendered four runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings.

The imposing righthander will be making his first start against the Marlins this season, but is 2-0 with a 3.68 ERA in three starts against them over the past three years.

Alfonso Soriano returned from the disabled list on Wednesday for the Cubs. The standout outfielder has been out with a broken left hand since June 11 suffered when he was hit by a pitch from Jeff Bennett of the Atlanta Braves.

Hanley Ramirez is in a 2-for-21 skid and hasn't homered or driven in a run in nine games. The 24-year-old All-Star also hasn't stolen a base in 12 games.