Estes May Go to the DL With Sore Back
If Estes is sidelined, Benes on standby (Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4/28/2003)
The Cubs have diagnosed Shawn Estes with a strained back. If he goes on the DL, Alan Benes will take his spot in the rotation. Dusty Baker doesn’t think Juan Cruz’s stamina would be good enough after starting the year in the bullpen. (So let him pitch 5 innings the first start and build it up from there.)
Antonio Alfonseca has started his rehab assignment at Iowa and should be back soon. So if Estes does go on the DL, Alfonseca can take his spot on the big league roster. Dave Veres is feeling better, but is likely to be sent on a rehab assignment as well.