USA Today reports that Z’s rehab assignment will begin after tomorrow:
Suspended Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano will throw a simulated game at the club’s Mesa, Arizona facility Monday and then report to Class AAA Iowa to begin a rehabilitation assignment of at least one week.
Manager Lou Piniella said it’s unlikely Zambrano will rejoin the big-league club on this homestand, which ends next Sunday. “He has missed alot. I would think (it would be) some time on the roadtrip,” he said, of the timing of Zambrano’s return.
General manager Jim Hendry said Cubs’ pitching coach Larry Rothschild and staff will evaluate how many minor-league appearances Zambrano needs after Monday’s simulated game workout.
ESPN’s Bruce Levine quotes GM Jim Hendry on the situation:
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said he was most concerned about Zambrano overextending himself upon his return.
“You want to make sure that you’re sharp and you’re ready when you get up here,” Hendry said. “The health of the player is important. You don’t rush it along, because when you get him up here he’ll be over-amped a little bit. You have to prepare him for that.”