Floyd, Blanco back today

Outfielder Cliff Floyd and catcher Henry Blanco will rejoin the Cubs today.

Floyd was reinstated from the restricted list after the game Monday, and Blanco was activated off the disabled list, where he has been since May 31 with a herniated cervical disc.

To make room, the Cubs optioned infielder Ronny Cedeno back to Class AAA Iowa and designated catcher Koyie Hill for assignment. Hill, 28, had no remaining minor-league options.

That means another team can claim Hill off waivers, but if he is not claimed, the Cubs can retain him. The switch-hitting Hill started 25 games and was batting .161 with two home runs and 12 RBI. Cubs pitchers had a 2.98 ERA with Hill behind the plate, and he threw out three of 11 runners stealing.

Blanco spent most of the time since his injury resting and receiving treatment. He completed a short rehab stint with Iowa last week.

Floyd was in the clubhouse after a week's absence following the death of his father, Cornelius ''C.C.'' Floyd.

''It's nice to be back,'' he said. ''You can get caught up in all [the grief] sitting at home. These guys stood behind me and brought me through it. I'm blessed to have good people around me.

''It's been tough. There were a lot of up-and-down times. I thought he'd be all right, but things happen for a reason. You move on.''

Floyd said he cherishes the memory of the late June day when doctors and nurses at the University of Chicago Hospitals brought his father to Wrigley Field to watch him play.

''Those people are incredible people,'' Floyd said. ''One of the nurses came to visit the day before and the day of [his death] and was devastated. That's the kind of man he was -- a great man and great father. He'll be missed by a lot of people.''

Floyd was able to smile at one thing after watching some of the Cubs' games on television.

''You turn into a fan,'' he said. ''You can see why the fans react the way they do.''

He noted how often the cameras pan the dugout for manager Lou Piniella's reactions.

''It's pretty hilarious how much they show him,'' he said.

Injured leadoff hitter Alfonso Soriano (right quadriceps) had hoped to take batting practice Sunday or Monday, but the weather canceled plans both days. The Cubs even brought up minor-league pitcher John Webb, who is on Iowa's disabled list, to throw a simulated game with Soriano batting.

''He's doing well and not having problems, and [trainer Mark O'Neal] will probably step it up with him on the road trip,'' general manager Jim Hendry said.

Players said the field was playable despite a weekend of often heavy rain.

''It was decent out there but kind of soggy,'' Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez said.

After the one-hour, 27-minute delay Monday, the outfield turf turned swampy in the last two innings.

''There was standing water,'' Daryle Ward said. ''But what can you do? It's the same for both sides.''