Wood's blister slow to heal, so he's headed to DL

Former Notre Dame star Samardzija on way

By Paul Sullivan | Chicago Tribune reporter

11:37 PM CDT, July 24, 2008

After going on the disabled list 11 times for various arm-related injuries over the years, Kerry Wood went down for the 12th time Thursday because of a slow-healing blister on his right index finger.

"I've pretty much been [out of action] for the last 10-12 days anyways," Wood said.

Wood visited a hand specialist Thursday. Though no irregularities were found, the Cubs decided Wood would not be able to get his arm back in shape before the weekend and opted for the more conservative approach.

"It's just a real bad case. The blister has taken a long, long time to heal," general manager Jim Hendry said. "A lot of skin irritation and things like that."

Wood was backdated on the DL the allowable 10 days and will be eligible to return Tuesday in Milwaukee. Hendry said Wood is making progress, but the area where the blister popped is still too tender for Wood to let loose without any irritation.

"With this time off, he's going to need a little work, whether it's a couple of [bullpen sessions] or a 'pen and a [simulated] game. We'll see how it goes," Hendry said. "It would probably not be in the best interest of anyone if we got him ready, say by Saturday or Sunday, and throw him right out there in a game with this long time off."

Wood's loss is likely to be Jeff Samardzija's gain. The former Notre Dame star is 4-1 with a 3.13 earned-run average in six starts at Triple-A Iowa. He is slated to be called up Friday to make his major-league debut this weekend. Over his last two starts, Samardzija has 18 strikeouts in 12 innings.

"He's exactly where you could've hoped he would have been from a year and a half ago," Hendry said.

As for Wood, the Cubs insist the blister isn't a big deal, despite losing their closer for more than two weeks.

Discussing remedies, Hendry mentioned ointments and pickle juice before adding: "I haven't asked him if he tried the Moises Alou approach. …"

Alou believed urinating on his hands made them harder, so he could get a better grip on the bat.

"I already tried that a couple of weeks ago," Wood said with a laugh.

More articles

Copyright © 2008, The Chicago Tribune