Wood Showing Progress in Minors

Kerry Wood appears only a start or two away from Wrigley Field.

Wood allowed one run and two hits in seven innings for the single-A Daytona Cubs of the Florida State League in a 6-1 win over the Sarasota Red Sox Tuesday night at Daytona Beach in his second rehabilitation start.

Wood, who was sidelined all of last season after having elbow surgery, threw 70 of 102 pitches for strikes, and struck out eight.

“My opinion, he’s getting closer every day and has made great progress,” Chicago Cub General Manager Ed Lynch said. “When he goes out there now, we look for a couple things, the arm strength, which he had, and his mechanics were strong.”

Although no date has been set, Wood could make his major league return during the Cubs’ 13-game homestand that starts April 28.

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Mark McGwire said his ailing back felt much better, four days after he received a cortisone shot, and he hit three home runs in a three-swing sequence in batting practice.

McGwire said he was “up for anything” and was optimistic about starting in tonight’s game in St. Louis.

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The Kansas City Royals placed catcher Gregg Zaun on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right elbow. The Royals called up catcher Jorge Fabregas.