Soto's status decided tonight:
The Cubs plan to decide tonight after a pregame workout whether to put All-Star catcher Geovany Soto on the disabled list because of his sore shoulder -- an issue that became more critical when backup Koyie Hill injured his toe Friday night.
Hill, whose right pinkie toe was smashed by a pitch from Todd Coffey in the eighth inning of the game Friday, played Saturday with the toe so swollen and painful that a part of his shoe was cut away to alleviate pressure.'There's something to be concerned about here,'' manager Lou Piniella said. ''If you look at his foot, they cut the shoe out, so he's got a bare toe exposed. He's a tough kid, now. But at the same time, it's hard enough to catch when you're 100 percent physically. It's the most demanding position on the field.
''Let's hope he gets through it. That's why it's important tomorrow with Geo as far as the workout is concerned.''
Soto is expected to throw before the game tonight to test the shoulder he says has improved dramatically since taking an anti-inflammatory injection Thursday and doing exercises the last two days.
''After [today] we've got to come to a decision,'' Piniella said. ''We can't continue to carry one catcher. So we'll see how he throws [today], and if he feels a lot more comfortable, at least he can be available for backup duty if necessary.''
Soto hasn't played since leaving Tuesday's game in Houston after hurting the shoulder on a throw to second. The Cubs don't have a third player on the roster with any professional catching experience.
''We're hurting a little bit in that position,'' Piniella said. ''We're not trying to rush Geo back or anything else, but it's very, very difficult carrying one catcher for any extended period of time.
Veteran backup Mark Johnson is waiting in the wings at Class AAA Iowa if the Cubs need to put Soto on the DL. If the move becomes necessary, Soto would be eligible to return from the DL on April 23 at home against the Cincinnati Reds.
