SIDELINES : Sutcliffe’s Shoulder Ailing

Cubs pitcher Rick Sutcliffe is heading back to Chicago for tests on an inflamed right shoulder, which may put him out of action for his scheduled start in the third game of the regular season next week.

The right-hander was slated to pitch Tuesday’s exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants but was sidelined when he was unable to do much more than lob the ball during warm-ups.

General Manager Jim Frey said Sutcliffe probably will be placed on the disabled list. This would take him out of action for at least a week of the regular season.

“I’m not trying to minimize it and I’m not trying to exaggerate it,” said Frey. “I don’t think any of us are aware of what’s going on. I’m concerned about it.”