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Zambrano relieved starter Thomas Diamond in the seventh inning and earned the hold in Iowa's extra-inning victory over Round Rock. He struck out three batters and allowed one hit. Seventeen of his 29 pitches were strikes. He was also 1-for-1 at the plate.
Saturday night's outing was Zambrano's second with Iowa. On Thursday, he threw 15 pitches in a less-than-impressive scoreless inning.
Cubs manager Lou Piniella has said that he expects Zambrano to rejoin the big league squad toward the end of its upcoming road trip, which begins Monday.
Zambrano has been on the restricted list since June 29 following a three-game suspension for an emotional outburst aimed at teammates in the dugout of a June 25 game against the Chicago White Sox.
In addition to his suspension and time on the restricted list, Zambrano is believed to have undergone anger management therapy with doctors picked by Major League Baseball and Zambrano's agent.
Zambrano does not have to be moved off the restricted list for a minor league stint, only if he is recalled by the Cubs.
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