Carlos Zambrano (face) is expected to return to the mound this week in the Venezuelan Winter League and might start on Wednesday.
Zambrano was hit in the lip by a comebacker on Nov. 18 and required 18 stitches and caused mild tissue damage. Zambrano had a 3.29 ERA and 12/6 K/BB ratio over his first three winter league outings. He is scheduled to earn $18 million from the Cubs next season.
Source: mlblogs.com