Samardzija pitched six one-hit innings on Saturday, and appears to be back to the old Samardzija after a rough spring in Arizona. If Neal Cotts continues to struggle, the Cubs could bring up Samardzija as a starter and make Sean Marshall the left-hander in the bullpen, though nothing appears imminent.
"Jeff is stretching out fine and working on his other pitches," Hendry said. "That was really encouraging. You can always go from starting back to the pen. We’re just going to try and keep him really tuned up and get him a little better, and whenever we need him, in whichever role we need, we’ll get him up here."
Marshall has made only one start and hasn’t gotten a chance to prove himself as a starter. But the Cubs know Marshall will do whatever’s best for the team, even if it means going back to the bullpen for a while. It’s all up to Cotts at this point. He’s looked nervous on the mound ever since manager Lou Piniella sent Larry Rothschild out to yank him in Milwaukee, claiming he wanted to “change the karma.”
Milton Bradley
While Bradley awaits word from Major League Baseball on when he’ll get his hearing on his two-day suspension for making contact with umpire Larry Vanover, the Cubs are being extra cautious with his groin injury.
Recall that this originally was termed a "mild" strain that would force Bradley out for only 3-5 days. It’s already eight days, and counting, though Bradley may play on Tuesday night against Cincinnati.
"He’s a well built guy and has an extremely muscular lower half," Hendry said. "He’s susceptible to some tweaks and pulls. I think he’s OK. We’re being real cautious. I’m sure if it were late in the year he could’ve played this week. I’m certainly counting on him hitting in that four-hole most of the year."
Hendry also is unconcerned about Bradley’s slow start, and his infamous temper that was on display last Thursday.
"Nobody knows what people are like unless you actually play with him or work with him," he said. "And all those people involved are certainly glad he’s here."
Jake Fox
The converted catcher already is hitting .478 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs at Triple-A Iowa while playing first base and right field. The Cubs haven’t used fifth outfielder Joey Gathright much in the early going, but Gathright doesn’t seem to be in danger of being sent down to make better use of Fox’s hot bat.
Sooner or later though, Fox will get a chance with the Cubs if he continues to hit like this.
"Jake is swinging the bat well, which he could always do," Hendry said. "We knew all along we’re not going to win with the 25 (players) we have now. It’s going to take a collective effort.
"At least four or five other pitchers will be here during the year, and I’m sure it’ll be the same for (position) players. You just try to keep the guys as sharp as you can, and when we need somebody, we know who to get."
