Zambrano To Restricted List, Therapy

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jun 29, 2010 5:40PM

The Cubs have reached an agreement with Carlos Zambrano's agent and MLB's Players Union on how to handle the hot-tempered pitcher after Friday's outburst. The team will switch Zambrano from the suspended list to the restricted list starting today - which means he's back on the payroll - and also enter a 'treatment' program. The move means Zambrano will be away from the team through at least the All-Star Break and the team has called up Jeff Stevens to take his spot. No one involved has elaborated on exactly what kind of 'treatment' Zambrano will undergo but it seems pretty obvious it'll be for behavioral/anger issues. After all, this is not exactly the first time Zambrano has been involved in an outburst with a teammate (or an outburst in general). From ESPN:

The groups collectively agreed to find independent doctors to evaluate Zambrano and provide treatment following the evaluation. During this evaluation period, and during any type of therapy, Zambrano will not have any contact with his Cubs teammates.

"He will be evaluated and then directed on areas to address some of his deficiencies, and he will be required by the agreement from MLB and the players association to follow the directions of the doctors to a tee," [Cubs' GM Jim] Hendry said.

Zambrano did talk to Hendry briefly on Monday during which, according to Hendry, Z expressed remorse for his actions. Lou has already indicated that once he returns to the team, Z will be back in the bullpen.