Baker Considers Zambrano’s Status

Carlos Zambrano’s rough outing in Game 1 of the National League championship series could have given Chicago Manager Dusty Baker reason to shake up his rotation.

Then again, it might not. Baker might not have an alternative.

Zambrano has struggled in his last four outings, including Tuesday night’s 9-8 loss to Florida, when he gave up five runs and three home runs.

But if Zambrano goes to the bullpen, Baker would have to bring back Mark Prior on short rest for Game 5 -- something he’s hesitant to do.

So will Zambrano start Game 5?

“Maybe,” Baker said.

Does he have an alternative?

“Not really,” Baker said.

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Reliever Chad Fox was out of baseball and wondering if he would make it back when Florida called him. He has made good on the opportunity.

The 33-year-old reliever pitched a scoreless 1 2/3 innings Monday. He was the first reliever Manager Jack McKeon summoned.

“Last night was the first time I think in my career I actually took a step back and just kind of looked around and took it all in,” he said. “It was just amazing.”

Fox was released by Boston after sitting out two months because of a strained side muscle. He was 1-2 with three saves in 17 games with the Red Sox.

Fox joined the Marlins on Aug. 8 and finished with a 2-1 record and a 2.13 earned-run average in the regular season.

“When the Marlins called, that was a huge boost for me mentally,” Fox said.