Major League Baseball

Cubs reinstate Zambrano, release Howry

Published Jul. 31, 2010 1:19 a.m. ET

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Chicago Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano was activated from the restricted list Friday and the right-hander is ready to pitch after making amends with his teammates.

''It feels good to be back,'' he said. ''I had to come in and apologize to the team.''

Zambrano was suspended June 26, a day after he got into a verbal altercation with teammate Derrek Lee. The two exchanged words in the Cubs dugout after Zambrano was pulled from his start after allowing four runs in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox.

Zambrano was placed on the restricted list June 29.

''I've thought about it. It wasn't acceptable,'' Zambrano said. ''It was embarrassing for the organization and the fans. I have to put it behind me. I want to move forward and contribute.''

Zambrano talked with manager Lou Piniella Friday before the team opened a three-game weekend series with the Colorado Rockies. Piniella said he talked with his pitcher for ''10 to 12 minutes'' before Zambrano addressed the team.

''I told him that when you do things that are out of the ordinary, you're going to end up apologizing. Just watch yourself,'' Piniella said. ''Do your job the best way possible and leave it at that. You have to be in control.

''There's nothing wrong with having a fire, but if it consumes you and you do things out of the ordinary, it's no good. You can be fiery, but keep under control.''

Piniella acknowledged he lost his cool during his playing career.

''I took it out on water coolers,'' he said. ''It was the water cooler's fault when I didn't deliver. In fact, I bought a few of them.''

Zambrano made one appearance for the Mesa Cubs of the Rookie League and three with Triple-A Iowa while on the restricted list.

To make room for Zambrano on the 40-man roster, the Cubs granted reliever Bob Howry his unconditional release. Piniella said Howry, who was 0-3 with a 5.66 ERA in 24 appearances after signing with Chicago on May 21, may decide to retire.

''That's the indication that I got,'' Piniella said.

The Cubs said Friday that Piniella will miss the last two games of the series and the opener of the home series with Milwaukee on Monday to attend his uncle's funeral in Tampa. Bench coach Alan Trammell will manage the team in Piniella's absence.

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