Arm problems keep Cubs’ Wood guessing

around the horn

Kerry Wood just can’t shake the pain in his shoulder.

The Chicago Cubs ace left another start early in a loss to the Astros in Houston on Saturday.

“I felt great the first two innings. The second inning was the best I’ve thrown the ball this year, but in the third it just kind of crept up on me,” Wood said.

He departed after only three innings because of tendinitis in his right shoulder, the same problem that cut short his previous start last Sunday. He will be examined by a doctor Monday in Chicago.

“It was the first time that I felt uncomfortable all night. I will know more Monday, but in my mind it is just tendinitis,” Wood said. “It’s hard to say whether or not I should shut it down for a couple of weeks.”

Wood, also slowed by shoulder trouble during spring training, was pulled for a pinch-hitter after giving up three runs and four hits. He struck out six and walked two.

“He didn’t complain at all. He had warmed up great, but he just didn’t look right even though he had good velocity,” Chicago manager Dusty Baker said. “We thought that it was best to take him out when we did.”

Thome exits with back spasms

Phillies first baseman Jim Thome continues to struggle with his back, just as he continues to struggle at the plate.

Thome, who entered Saturday’s game against the Florida Marlins at Citizens Bank Park hitting just .208 with one home run, 12 RBIs and 26 strikeouts in 77 at-bats, left in the bottom of the fourth inning because of back spasms.

Thome missed time in spring training because of back soreness. He didn’t start the game on April 22 in Atlanta because the problem resurfaced.

Saturday night, Thome slid into second in the fourth inning and clearly had trouble after he got up. He took a few slow steps toward the dugout before he gingerly jogged back.

Clearing the bases

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Benito Santiago refused a minor league rehabilitation assignment and will keep working out with the team, a decision that could delay his return.

“Florida Marlins closer Guillermo Mota will be placed on the 15-day disabled list today with inflammation in his right elbow.

“The Boston Red Sox recalled infielder Kevin Youkilis from Pawtucket and optioned right-hander Tim Bausher to the Triple-A club. Bausher was called up Friday when Curt Schilling was put on the disabled list.