Rich Harden Headed To DL

Bad back lands starter on the shelf

By TOM FORNELLI

Updated 9:15 PM CST, Fri, May 22, 2009

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When the Cubs traded for Rich Harden last July it was a pretty big move for the team. They added a top of the line style starter to what was an already formidable starting rotation, and really, they didn't have to give up all that much for him. There was a reason for this, however.

As good as Harden is when he's on, he's limited as a pitcher. He's had more than his share of injury problems throughout his career which have resulted in a strict pitch count for Harden that rarely allows him to last longer than six innings. Still, in spite of his injury history, Harden finished the 2008 season without a stint on the disabled list, and hadn't been on it so far in 2009.

That is, until now. Rich won't be pitching for the Cubs for a few weeks thanks to a balky back. Harden felt the twinge in his back during his last start on Sunday. He had hoped it would heal in time to make his next start, but after throwing a side session in St. Louis this week, those hopes faded.

Seems the Cubs couldn't succeed at anything against the Cardinals this week.

If there's any good news for the Cubs regarding Harden's injury it's that he has good timing. Carlos Zambrano came off of the disabled list on Friday and will start against the Padres and almost-White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy. So since Zambrano is now off the DL the Cubs don't have to make a roster move to replace Harden and instead will have Randy Wells, who replaced Big Z, pitch in his place on Saturday.

Harden won't be back until the Cubs go to Atlanta to take on the Braves on June 2nd. It's his first stint on the disabled list in the last four years, and his first as a Cub. Hopefully it'll be his last, but history dictates otherwise.

Along with writing for NBCCHICAGO.com, Tom Fornelli can also be found contributing at FanHouse, SPORTSbyBROOKS, and his own Chicago sports blog Foul Balls.