Cubs prepare for stars’ return

NOTES

Kerry Wood and Nomar Garciaparra are expected to rejoin the Cubs by this weekend, hoping they can help Chicago make a push in the National League wild-card race.

Wood said his right arm was feeling well after a couple of minor league rehabilitation outings. He expects to pitch out of the bullpen the rest of the season in an effort to reduce the strain on his arm.

Wood retired all four batters he faced for the Class A Peoria (Ill.) Chiefs on Tuesday. The right-hander has been on the disabled list since July 20 with right shoulder inflammation.

Garciaparra went 1 for 3 in his final rehabilitation game at Double-A West Tenn, on Wednesday, then said he would immediately rejoin the Cubs.

The All-Star shortstop went 3 for 13 in four games with the Diamond Jaxx of Jackson, Tenn.

He has been on the disabled list since injuring his groin in April.

Pavano works six innings

New York Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano allowed three runs and six hits over six innings in a rehabilitation start for Class A Tampa (Fla.).

Pavano struck out three and walked none, throwing 56 of 77 pitches for strikes against the Vero Beach Dodgers.

The Yankees hope Pavano can rejoin the rotation next week. He is 4-6 with a 4.77 ERA this season and doesn’t have a win since May 22.

Pavano hasn’t pitched for the Yankees since June 27 at Baltimore.