THE SIDELINES : Pain May Keep Sutcliffe Off Mound

Cubs ace pitcher Rick Sutcliffe has an ailing right shoulder and probably will miss his next start, Manager Don Zimmer says.

Sutcliffe, who pitched just 12/3 Wednesday for his shortest outing in four years, could be questionable for the playoffs if the Cubs qualify and his condition doesn’t improve.

“He’s got a sore shoulder,” Zimmer said. “I don’t want to pitch a guy when he’s hurt.”

Sutcliffe, who has just two wins in his last six starts, is reluctant to discuss his condition. “It’s not any different than it’s been,” he said. Sore or stiff? “A combination of both.”

Sutcliffe has historically been reluctant to say he’s hurting and this time, news of a possible injury apparently came through trainer John Fierro. Zimmer said, “Every time I sent him out, I asked him if he was 100% and he said he was all right. I wouldn’t have sent him out if he wasn’t.”

Sutcliffe is scheduled to pitch again Monday but Zimmer said he isn’t counting on it. Said Sutcliffe, “The only reason I won’t pitch Monday is if Zim doesn’t want me to pitch.”