Piniella: 12th pitcher a must

The roster move expected Monday was delayed one more day, leaving Cubs manager Lou Piniella with a short pitching staff again.

But Piniella said he can't put off any longer adding a 12th pitcher, especially with closer Ryan Dempster nursing a pulled oblique muscle.

''We're teetering,'' Piniella said. ''When you play in the American League, you don't need to pinch-hit for your pitcher. But Dempster is still not available, and we're really operating with 10 pitchers. I would think by [today] we'll have someone.''

The addition would require a corresponding subtraction, and the Cubs continue to pursue trading outfielder Jacque Jones. But if no deal is struck, someone will have to be sent down, released or moved to the disabled list.

One player who will not be affected is center fielder Felix Pie. Piniella made clear that the team is sticking to its plan to keep the rookie, a decision made when Pie was recalled for the second time on June 3.

Pie is hitting .140 (6-for-43) in his last 13 games and didn't start Monday with left-hander Jeff Francis starting for the Rockies. He also didn't start Sunday against White Sox right-hander Jose Contreras.

''We're not sending him back,'' Piniella said. ''I'm just giving him a day or two to catch his breath a little. Felix has done a nice job, and we'll get him back out there.''

The Cubs might have to consider moving Ryan Theriot, who came into Monday's game hitting .183 (17-for-93) since May 19, dropping his average from .300 to .251. But Theriot has been a defensive fallback at shortstop and third base -- which might be why second baseman Mike Fontenot was taking ground balls at shortstop in early batting practice Monday.

Cesar Izturis would be the only shortstop if Theriot is sent down.

As for Dempster, Piniella said he threw off flat ground Monday and ''felt better than [Sunday]. He'll throw off the mound [today], and that will be the determining factor in either riding it out or the disabled list.''

Kerry Wood will throw a bullpen session today, his first attempt to throw off a mound since suffering a setback in his right shoulder during spring training. He has been rehabbing in Arizona, throwing only on flat ground on a limited basis.

•  Catcher Henry Blanco (herniated disc) had hoped to try throwing again Monday, but Piniella isn't optimistic about a quick return.

•  The Cubs observed a moment of silence before the game for former closer Rod Beck, found dead at 38 on Saturday in his Phoenix home. No more details had emerged about the death of the popular Beck, who saved 51 games for the 1998 Cubs, including a one-game wild-card playoff with the Giants.