Big Z may play Triple-A this week

Carlos Zambrano could play Tuesday or Wednesday for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs for Ryne Sandberg.

The Cubs' plan for Zambrano begins with having him pitch a simulated game Monday in Mesa, Arizona. Then he's expected to join the Iowa Cubs Tuesday for the double-header against Oklahoma City. The Iowa Cubs also play Wednesday, but it isn't certain which day Big Z will play. Since Carlos Zambrano hasn't started in weeks and is expected to return to the Chicago Cubs' bullpen, he will likely be a reliever for the Iowa Cubs. There still isn't an expected date when Zambrano will return to Chicago.

After his outburst in the dugout at U.S. Cellular Field, Zambrano has been put on the restricted list. Since then, it is believed he has been in anger management and then reported to Mesa, AZ this past week.