CHICAGO CUBS Injured toe keeps Sosa on the DL

It is unknown when the slugger will return.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
PITTSBURGH -- The Chicago Cubs managed to survive the last 11 days without Sammy Sosa, and now it turns out they might have to wait quite a bit longer for his return.
Manager Dusty Baker confirmed before Tuesday's rainout that Sosa would not come off the disabled list when he's eligible to do so Sunday. Baker said Sosa is nowhere close to being ready after having surgery May 10 to remove a toenail.
"To my knowledge, he hasn't been able to put on his shoe yet," Baker said. "Unless he's going to play barefoot ..."
Shoeless Sammy Sosa? The Cubs would take it if it beefed up a sluggish lineup that has produced only five runs the last three games.
Sosa, who is scheduled to see a doctor today, might have to go on a rehabilitation assignment to the minors before he's ready. Baker acknowledged the timetable for Sosa's return to the Cubs is undetermined.
"Usually they give us a window, but it needs Windex on it," Baker said. "That window isn't very clear. Right now I haven't heard of a window. Right now it's a brick wall. All I know is he's about to go crazy."
Staying in touch
Baker spoke to Sosa by telephone Tuesday and said the right fielder is getting antsy sitting in his downtown condo.
Sosa hasn't been away from the team this long since he broke his hand when hit by a pitch Aug. 21, 1996, after which he missed the rest of the season.
While Sosa has been gone, the Cubs have increased their Central Division lead from a half-game to two games. Quality pitching has made up for Sosa's absence, particularly from the starters.
The Cubs are 6-3 without Sosa but have yet to show any offensive consistency since his departure, hitting .265 since he was placed on the disabled list.