In a move that screams (and when talking about Big Z. you gotta use the word scream) “hey, it’s already broken, so how much more damage can he really do?”
The Chicago Cubs today reinstated right-handed pitcher Carlos Zambrano from the restricted list and kicked right-handed reliever Bob Howry to the curb.
Zambrano made four minor league appearances since being placed on the restricted list June 29 (you might recall why, when he acted like a four year old for what seems like the umpteenth time). In the minors he helding the opponent scoreless in the first three (4.0 IP) before allowing three runs in 1.0 inning of work July 27 with Triple-A Iowa at Albuquerque. All told, he struck out five compared to one walk in 5.0 innings pitched in one game with the Rookie League Mesa Cubs and three with Iowa .
The $18 million a year pitcher with the five cent head is 3-6 with a 5.66 ERA (35 ER/55.2 IP) in 22 games (nine starts) for Chicago this season. He began 2010 as a starter before being demoted to the bullpen in late April. In 13 relief appearances, he went 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA (6 ER/13.0 IP), holding the opposition scoreless in 10 outings.
Zambrano last pitched for Chicago June 25, getting the start against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. He allowed four runs in the first inning before leaving the game for his RIDICULOUS TIRADE and was placed on the suspended list the next day.
In 10 seasons with Chicago (2001-2010), Zambrano has gone 108-74 with a 3.58 ERA (640 ER/1,607.0 IP) in 281 career games (247 starts). He’s made the All-Star Team (2004, ‘06 and ‘08) three times and his1,377 strikeouts rank fourth in franchise history.
Howry, 36, was 0-3 with a 5.66 ERA (13 ER/20.2 IP) in 24 relief appearances for Chicago after he was signed by the team as a free agent May 21, after he began the season with Arizona . A 13-year major league veteran, Howry was 17-20 with a 4.04 ERA (112 ER/249.1 IP) in 258 relief appearances for the Cubs from 2006-08 and 2010.