The Cubs said Friday they’ll pay Zambrano after the suspension ends, but there’s insufficient time for him to get ready to pitch again. The Cubs also said a grievance filed on Zambrano’s behalf will be processed by the players’ union, Major League Baseball and the team during the offseason.
Zambrano cleaned out his locker and talked about retiring after giving up five homers and being ejected during a loss to Atlanta on Aug. 12.
He said he intended to be at the ballpark the next day, but his agent, Barry Praver, told him not to “because we were in the middle of discussions with the union and the Cubs.” The Cubs placed Zambrano on the disqualified list the next day and said he would receive no pay and have no part in team activities for 30 days.
“It was a disappointing situation, and we’ll let things take their course now,” Cubs manager Mike Quade said Friday before his team’s 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh.
Zambrano was also put on a restricted list last season after he became incensed by what he thought was poor defense against the White Sox and got into a shouting match with then-teammate Derrek Lee. Zambrano underwent anger management counseling, returned to the team and pitched well.
Zambrano, who is signed through 2012 and scheduled to make $18 million next season, is 125-81 with a 3.60 career ERA after breaking in with the Cubs in 2001.
HE’S 80 YEARS YOUNG
Eighty-year-old Florida Marlins manager Jack McKeon says he has made a decision about his future beyond this season but hasn’t talked with the organization about whether he will return in 2012 at age 81.
McKeon said if he doesn’t come back as manager, he would like to remain with the franchise in some role. He worked part time as a special assistant to team owner Jeffrey Loria before becoming manager in June after Edwin Rodriguez resigned.
The Marlins are expected to hire a new manager for next season, when they will move into a new ballpark with an increased player payroll and higher expectations.
LUGO OUT, WILSON IN
The Braves released shortstop Julio Lugo and said rookie right-hander Randall Delgado will be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett as the fill-in starter for Jair Jurrjens on Sunday against the Dodgers.
An MRI showed a bone bruise on Jurrjens’ right knee, and he’ll be examined by orthopedic specialist Dr. Richard Steadman in Vail, Colo., as early as today.
Infielder Jack Wilson, acquired from Seattle on Wednesday, was activated from the 15-day disabled list and moves into Lugo’s utility infielder role.
SHORT HOPS
Ahead of a critical three-game series with NL West-leading Arizona, the defending World Series champion Giants have recalled infielders Emmanuel Burriss, Brandon Crawford and Conor Gillaspie and reliever Waldis Joaquin from Triple-A Fresno and outfielder Darren Ford from Double-A Richmond. … The Padres claimed right-hander Drew Carpenter off waivers from the Phillies and recalled catcher Luis Martinez and right-hander Evan Scribner from Triple-A Tucson. … Cardinals right-hander Lance Lynn was moved from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL after the team determined he wouldn’t recover from an Aug. 10 oblique injury before season’s end. … The Rays recalled right-hander Andy Sonnanstine from Triple-A Durham.
