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--RHP Rafael Soriano is facing the prospect of exploratory surgery on his right elbow after experiencing soreness when he tried to throw the other day. Three MRIs this season have shown no ligament damage but are otherwise inconclusive as to the cause of the soreness. So the last resort is going in there.
--RF Jeff Francoeur took a seat on the bench again; Gregor Blanco started in right in his place. It's not a platoon situation -- manager Bobby Cox wants to get Blanco in the outfield as often as possible, and Francoeur's low batting average makes him a periodic replacement candidate.
--LHP Mike Hampton's sinker was especially crisp in his start against the Mets Wednesday. He is working with pitching coach Roger McDowell to re-master his curve ball.
BY THE NUMBERS: 29-9 -- Cumulative score of the Cubs' three-game sweep of the Braves Aug. 13-14.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Guys are just throwing me fastballs because they know I can't get the bat head there. I'm just late. I haven't driven a ball in three weeks. You miss that feeling. It's not like they're tricking me." -- OF Jeff Francoeur, who was hitting .231 through Aug. 17, including a .200 mark in August.
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