MESA, Ariz. -- Ted Lilly was knocked out of action the last five days with a viral infection, and the illness is likely to push back his return date.
"This is definitely a setback," Lilly said. "In one regard, it's fortunate it's not my shoulder or anything like that. It makes you really appreciate your health."
Lilly, who had offseason knee surgery, returned to the Cubs on Friday and did some light tossing. But he admitted the five-day absence from camp has hurt him. Before leaving camp, Lilly was intent on trying to be back by Opening Day, though most expect him back at the end of April or early May.
"I would like to have been (ready by Opening Day), but being out for the four or five days I've been out, it's going to cost me more than that," Lilly said.
Lilly was in bed for 18 hours a day the last three days with a 103-degree temperature, and that he lost a lot of strength. He said it just felt good to be "on my feet and out of bed," and "feeling the sun on my face."
How long Lilly will be on the disabled list to start the season remains to be seen, but his goal of returning early is probably out of the question.
"I don't want to start the season on the disabled list," he said. "I don't feel good about that. I don't like being on that list or being associated with it in any way, shape or form. I'm going to work to get back out there as quickly as possible."
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Lily won't be effective until after the All Star break.... WAY to late for the Flubbies to do anything. Fat Z will have is normal mental meltdowns, but the good news is with Silva in the rotation, Fat Z won't be the fattest player on the Cubs anymore! This team really has no solid pitching, two good bats (Lee and Ramierez), journeymen players in the middle infield, a tremendously over rated and over paid left fielder who can't field, no pen or closer! Other than that, I think the Cubs are positioned to win it all!
Here we go again. Deja vu.