BY ADAM RONIS
Rich Harden made it through nine starts with the Cubs before missing one. Harden, slated to start Friday, was scratched from his start. The Cubs originally said they wanted to give him some rest and there was no injury. I didn't buy it considering the Cubs lead is only 4 1/2 games and Carlos Zambrano is also hurt. Harden said he has discomfort, but it's not serious. Sure. It's Rich Harden. He has been on the disabled list six times in the last three years. In nine starts with the Cubs he has pitched seven innings four times and never more than that. The other five starts he has pitched 5 2/3 innings or less. He has made 22 starts this season, the most since 2004 when he threw 189 2/3 innings. He pitched seven games last year and nine in 2006 and is up to 131 innings this season. Remember, always sell high on Harden.
Zambrano was scratched from his start over the weekend with a dead arm and was removed after five innings Tuesday. He went 1-1 with a 7.43 ERA in August. Zambrano will not start Sunday.