Blister Doesn’t Sidetrack Wood

Kerry Wood threw on the side before the Chicago Cubs’ game against the Houston Astros on Wednesday and had no problems with a blister that threatened to further delay his return to the majors.

Wood, who started the season on the disabled list after sitting out last year recovering from right elbow surgery, developed a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand during a rehab start at triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

“There is no burning sensation at all,” Cub Manager Don Baylor said of Wood’s blister. “We’ll wait a couple of days to find out when he can pitch for sure.”

Barring any setbacks, Woods, 22, will start either Saturday or Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks when the Cubs return to Wrigley Field.

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Phillie pitcher Curt Schilling joined the team Wednesday after making his final rehab start with triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday night. Schilling is scheduled to pitch Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

“I was really looking forward to coming to the ballpark today,” said Schilling, who is expected to be activated Saturday night after the Phillies clear a roster spot.

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The Texas Rangers put left-hander Mike Munoz on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his left elbow, recalling left-hander Doug Davis from triple-A Oklahoma. . . . The Baltimore Orioles claimed backup infielder Mark Lewis off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. To fill Lewis’ spot, the Reds recalled right-handed pitcher Elmer Dessens from triple-A Louisville. . . . The Kansas City Royals optioned right-hander Chris Fussell to triple-A Omaha to make room for right-handed reliever Miguel Batista.