Piniella counting on 12th pitcher for help

The 12-man pitching staff Cubs manager Lou Piniella has wanted should help the Cubs' starting rotation as well as the bullpen, keeping arms fresh.

''With Ryan Dempster back in the bullpen closing, I'll be able to give our short [relief] people a little more rest,'' Piniella said. ''I think it will help them. Hopefully Dempster will be getting a lot of opportunities because that means we're in save situations.''

Dempster's return puts Bob Howry back into a setup role. Howry earned seven saves in eight opportunities while Dempster was on the disabled list with a strained left oblique.

Piniella hopes to keep pitch counts in check with the bigger bullpen. Carlos Zambrano has been the only starter allowed to exceed 120 pitches in a game. His season high is 126.

''We've only had three [starts] go more than 120 pitches,'' Piniella said, ''and all three were Zambrano.

The Cubs have a day off Monday, but Piniella doesn't plan to alter the rotation.

''Everyone will get a sixth day [off]. If we have to, we have the luxury of even skipping a pitcher. ... We'll play it by ear. You can't plan ahead too far in this business.''

The fan frenzy at Wrigley Field has enhanced the atmosphere for the players, but steady emotions are the daily fare Piniella prefers.

''I like it here, and I'm enjoying it,'' he said. ''Obviously it's more fun to win, and Wrigley Field is a wonderful place to play. But I don't get too excited about things. I think the more even-keel you get, the more consistent you play.''

Piniella isn't paying attention to what the first-place Milwaukee Brewers are doing daily -- yet.

''I watched the Friday night fights,'' he said. ''They had a crawl [showing scores], but it's way too early for that. We just have to play one game at a time, keep grinding and not worry about anyone else and good things will happen.''

Though rookie Jake Fox has played the outfield and infield for Class AA Tennessee, he primarily has been a catcher and is the Cubs' third catching option. If he does catch, Fox will become the team's seventh catcher this season.

''They've all done a nice job -- all of them who have been here,'' Piniella said of Michael Barrett and Rob Bowen (traded), Koyie Hill, Henry Blanco (disabled list), Geovany Soto (returned to Class AAA Iowa) and Jason Kendall.

•   Left-hander Ted Lilly earned his 10th victory Thursday in the Cubs' 9-8 win against the San Francisco Giants. The last time the Cubs had a left-handed starter win at least 10 games was 1993, when Greg Hibbard finished 15-11.

•   Kerry Wood threw another inning Saturday for the Rookie League Mesa Cubs, giving up one run but completing the first week of his rehab schedule as planned. He takes a break today to host his annual bowling tournament, this year raising funds for Derrek Lee's Project 3000 charity. The event will be held tonight at the 10pin Bowling Lounge, 3