Aramis Ramirez’s left shoulder still isn’t fully healed from his May 9 separation in Milwaukee.
But with the Cubs on life support in the wild card playoff race and the season slipping away, Ramirez said he wants to finish the year on the field, whether they’re out of it or not.
“I want to play,” Ramirez said. “That’s what I’m here for. It’s what I get paid for, to play. I don’t want to be a [expletive] teammate and shut it down, because they’re going to keep playing. They have to finish. If I can play, I’ll be out there.”
Lost in space: The Cubs already have lost more games (65) than they did all last season, (64), and there’s still a month to go.
Ryan Dempster expected much better when he re-signed with the Cubs in November.
“All of us did,” Dempster said. ” … We just have to overcome whatever we had thrown at us.”
Alfonso Soriano said it was even more disappointing because of the success they had in making the playoffs the last two years.
“I don’t know what happened,” he said.
“We’re not out, but we’re not good right now. I hope we start playing better and keep going.”
Zambrano watch: Carlos Zambrano makes his third start Friday since going on the disabled list with his back problems in New York. He’s 0-2 in his last three starts with a 10.13 ERA.
“He’s going to get two starts on the trip,” manager Lou Piniella said. “Let’s hope his two starts on the road are a little better than his two starts at home. For whatever reason, he has pitched better on the road this year than he has at home. He needs to step it up. He hasn’t won a game since the All-Star break.”
Extra innings: Ryan Theriot said he was fine after bruising his left knee while getting hit attempting a relay throw of a double play try. … Derrek Lee missed Thursday’s game to be with his wife at the birth of their son. … The Cubs have been shut out 11 times this season. Last year they were shut out eight times.
