The Chicago Cubs have been a bit disappointing so far this season, entering Tuesday’s action at 14-11 but with no real consistency. A big problem, other than the terrible signing of Milton Bradley, has been the pitching staff, which ranks only 15th in the majors entering Tuesday with an ERA of 4.47.

Kind of a symbol of the Cubs’ mediocrity (yes, 14-11 and second place isn’t too bad, but much more was expected from this team) has been No. 1 starter Carlos Zambrano. Big Z, as is the case with him, can be lights out one day and then maddeningly inconsistent the next. But at least the Cubs could generally count on him eating innings every fifth day.

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Well, that every fifth day will have to wait at least two weeks and maybe a month as Zambrano was placed on the disabled list Monday because of a strained left hamstring.

The ironic thing is that Zambrano was hurt while batting – he loves to hit and is probably the best-hitting pitcher in baseball. Zambrano suffered the injury beating out a bunt in the fifth inning of Sunday's 6-4 victory over the Marlins, and he'll be eligible to return again on May 19 in St. Louis for a big series with the first-place Cardinals.

"It's a Grade 2 tear in the belly of the muscle," manager Lou Piniella said to reporters. "It's going to be the full two weeks. Our medical team seems to think ... when he's eligible to come off the [disabled list], he'll be able to pitch that week, whether it's the beginning of that week or the end of that week. He'll miss a couple turns."

GM Jim Hendry said doctors estimated Zambrano will need two to 2½ weeks to recover.

''Obviously, he didn't want to go on the DL, which is a part of him we like, but the doctors feel he'll need that time,'' Hendry said. ''Hamstrings can linger or intensify.''

Zambrano is 3-1 with a 4.50 ERA in six starts and is hitting .278 (5-for-18) with a home run and two RBIs. He has made three pinch-hitting appearances this year because the Cubs have had a short bench at times with various injuries. That game against the Marlins he was pitching in, however. But now people are calling for Piniella to end the practice of using Zambrano as a pinch-hitter. That won't fly with Zambrano, as being able to hit is one reason he re-signed with the Cubs when he was a free agent.

Fortunately, the Cubs are scheduled to have just three games against a team with a winning record (at Milwaukee this weekend) before they begin that series May 19 at St. Louis. And they have two off days before then.

Randy Wells will be called up from Triple-A to start in Zambrano’s spot Friday at Milwaukee. He was 3-0 with a 3.13 ERA and 19 strikeouts to six walks in 23 innings for Iowa.