Harris: Cubs Rotation In Question Following Dempster Trade
By Adam Harris-
WRIGLEY FIELD (CBS) - Ryan Dempster's trip to Arlington, Texas has opened doors and spots in the Cubs rotation this weekend and early next week.
It looks like Chris Volstad will have an opportunity to show Cubs management and fans his poor performance before being sent down was a fluke.
"Volstad could fill one of these spots," manager Dale Sveum said.
Volstad will be in the bullpen until further notice. Travis Wood will take the mound Wednesday , followed by Jeff Samardzija on Friday and Justin Germano on Saturday, but Sunday remains to be determined, as well as the series early next week in San Diego.
"Right now Volstad will fill in the rolls, Germano," Sveum said. "Right now we are obviously just kind of waiting to see what happens with (Matt) Garza."
Garza is expected to throw a bullpen session this weekend, depending on his situation with his new child, and when he can meet up with team in Los Angeles.
"Like I said yesterday, we are going to evaluate a lot of things on the day off tomorrow and this afternoon," Sveum said in response to a question asking if more outfielders are needed.
Sveum said another outfielder would be nice, but I have a feeling the "things" needed to be evaluated are more than just outfield concerns.
Barney OK After Hit To The Head
After being hit in the head by an A.J. Burnett pitch last night, Darwin Barney is a-symptomatic for a concussion.
"We did testing for about an hour, but the testing turned out very well," Barney said. "Everything came out normal. Today we are going to be cautious, and give me a little break today, but I should be ready to go Friday.
"I got a 100% on my SCAT test," Barney said, "and I'm pretty proud of that."
Barney had no thoughts that Burnett threw at him on purpose.
"It was a slider," Barney said. "Everyone knows he's not trying to hit me, and I'm not worried about that."
Barney is fine, but his day off today is still needed, according to Sveum.
"I don't think it's anything major, but he obviously got hit in the head and had some ringing in his ear," Sveum said. "He is fine today, but we will just give him the day today, especially with the heat. He will be ready Friday."
With all the trades coming Tuesday, Barney is now an aged member of the club.
"It's tough and weird," Barney said. "Someone said yesterday 'you're a salty veteran on this team.' It's pretty crazy what direction we are going in. A lot of us are excited about it, but at the same time we are sad that big pieces had to go. We are all very lucky to still have a Cubs uniform on, that's first and foremost."
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