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• Kerry Wood's long-awaited return from his slow-healing blister lasted all of one game before he was sidelined once again Friday with lower back soreness. At first evading the Wood issue, Cubs manager Lou Piniella reluctantly went back to it late in Friday's post-game news conference. "Woody's back was bothering him," he said. Wood's back apparently locked up on him Friday morning and the Cubs didn't want St. Louis manager Tony La Russa to know he wasn't available during Friday afternoon's game at Wrigley Field. Wood was not in the bullpen.

• Phillies reliever Tom Gordon will see Dr. Lewis Yocum on Monday for a second opinion on his injured right elbow, and could be facing Tommy John surgery. Gordon is trying to recover from elbow inflammation that placed him on the DL July 6. He pulled himself from a rehabilitation assignment at Class-A Clearwater on Wednesday, when he experienced discomfort after pitching to just two batters.

• Paul Lo Duca and the Marlins agreed to a minor-league deal Friday, a second chance for the veteran catcher. Lo Duca, waived by the Nationals after their ninth straight loss on July 31, will report to Triple-A Albuquerque. This will be Lo Duca's second stint with the Florida organization. He was traded by Los Angeles to the Marlins for Brad Penny in 2004. He was dealt to the Mets after the 2005 season.

• Reds right-hander Aaron Harang is expected to be activated and start Sunday for Cincinnati, giving RHP Edinson Volquez two extra days of rest. Harang hasn't pitched since July 8 because of a strained right forearm.

• The Reds hired former Seattle and Anaheim GM Bill Bavasi as a special assistant. Bavasi worked for the Angels from 1994 to 1999 and the Mariners from 2003 through June 15, when he was fired.

—The Associated Press