Mooney: Cubs being careful with Pena

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Posted: 12:52 p.m.

By Patrick Mooney
CSNChicago.com

Carlos Pena emerged from the training room on Tuesday with his right hand bandaged, keeping it compressed so his thumb doesnt swell up.

The pain isnt overwhelming, but the Cubs are being cautious with their first baseman. Pena is listed as day-to-day with a mild sprain of his right thumb, though manager Mike Quade could use him as a pinch-hitter on Tuesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

I told Q, 'If you need me, let me know, because Im ready to go,' Pena said.

In place of the Gold Glove defender, Tyler Colvin will bat fifth and make his first start at first base.

Pena thinks he injured his thumb during the seventh inning of Mondays 4-1 win over the Diamondbacks. After fielding the ball and tossing it to pitcher Sean Marshall, who was covering first base, Pena braced for the fall and landed awkwardly on his glove hand, bending his thumb back.

Pena wants to play Wednesday in the series finale, but with an off-day scheduled for Thursday, it could make more sense to give him some extra time to heal.

PatrickMooney is CSNChicago.com's Cubs beat writer. FollowPatrick on Twitter @CSNMooneyfor up-to-the-minute Cubs news and views.

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