Aramis to play in Peoria: Cubs 3B to start rehab games Friday

PITTSBURGH – Cubs fans hoping to watch Aramis Ramirez play can catch him on Friday at Kane County, when he begins his rehab stint with Class-A Peoria.

Ramirez will then play on Saturday and Sunday in Peoria before reporting back to the Cubs.

“Probably be back on Monday,” he said.

Ramirez’s return is anxiously anticipated, as though he’ll turn around the Cubs season single-handedly.

“It doesn’t work that way,” Ramirez said. “Everybody has got to do their job. They can think whatever they want, but we have 25 guys here and everybody has got to do their job. It’s not like I’m going to jump in and all of a sudden we’re going to win every game.”

Meanwhile, the team recalled right-handed pitcher Jeff Samardzija from Triple-A Iowa and sent down right-handed pitcher Jose Ascanio.

Also the Cubs and White Sox announced that Thursday, Sept. 3, is the make-up date for their June 16 game that was rained out. The game will start at 1:20 p.m.

All tickets for the postponed game from June 16 will be honored at the gates on Sept. 3. There is no need for fans to exchange tickets, according to the Cubs.

Ramirez with Chiefs

Friday: At Kane County,     6 p.m.

Saturday: At Peoria, 5 p.m.

Sunday: At Peoria, 2 p.m.



2009 stats: .364, 4 HRs, 16 RBIs in 18 games

Career: .285, 253 HRs, 897 RBIs in 12th season