April 9: Chicago Cubs Have a Bad Day

Where do we begin discussing the ways in which Thursday was bad for the Chicago Cubs?

First, an MRI revealed inflammation in Geovany Soto's right bicep muscle that hasn't yet caused a trip to the disabled list.

But as it stands, expect the Cubs to have only Koyie Hill behind the plate this weekend.

Of all the players on the Cubs roster, the one they can least afford to lose to injury for an extended period of time is Soto, last year's National League Rookie of the Year.

The Cubs didn't play on Thursday, so the news of Soto's condition was the only real issue with Chicago's roster.

However, another player who could have a bigger impact on the NL Central race than perhaps Soto (or any player on the Cubs) showed up big-time in his first action of the 2009 season.

Chris Carpenter, who has seen limited action since pitching in Game Three of the World Series a couple years ago, took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and looked as good on the mound as he did when he was an annual Cy Young candidate.

Overall, Carpenter had a more than solid day. He threw 92 pitches and struck out seven while only walking two.

Yes, it was against the Pirates, but Carpenter's stuff was crisp and he worked effectively.

Last year, the Cardinals challenged the Cubs and Brewers in a three-team division race that lasted well into August before St. Louis losing a battle of attrition with the disabled list.

As this season begins, the Cardinals are banking on Carpenter and Adam Wainwright to stay healthy and lead a push for the postseason.

If Thursday's start is any indication, Carpenter is back, and the Cubs will now have to keep their eye on St. Louis the rest of the season.