In Carlos Villanueva's first start since rejoining the Cubs' starting rotation, he surrendered one run over four innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Pirates. Villanueva struck out five, walked one and scattered three hits. The right-hander, who took Scott Feldman's spot after the latter was traded to the Orioles last week, was pulled after just 69 pitches and obviously needs to be stretched out before he begins working deeper into games. Villanueva, 29, will take a 2-4 record and 3.39 ERA (over 74 1/3 innings) into a home matchup against the Cardinals next time out.

Carlos Villanueva will join the Cubs' starting rotation this Saturday against the Pirates. Villanueva is taking over for Scott Feldman, who was traded to the Orioles earlier this week. Villanueva, 29, has a 3.45 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 52/19 K/BB ratio in 70 1/3 innings (eight starts, 16 relief appearances) this season and is worth adding in most mixed leagues.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said that Carlos Villanueva will be stretched out to re-enter the rotation following the trade of Scott Feldman. It will take him a little while to get stretched out, as Sveum doesn't expect Villanueva to enter the rotation until mid-July. The right-hander posted a 3.93 ERA in eight starts before being moved to the bullpen, where he held a 2.40 mark. Those in deep leagues should consider scooping him up.

The Cubs are moving Carlos Villanueva to the bullpen.

Carlos Villanueva allowed seven runs over five innings as the Cubs lost to the Rockies on Tuesday. Villanueva was consistently bad Tuesday, allowing runs in four of his five innings of work. In total, Rockies hitters got to him for 12 hits, including two home runs. After starting the season on a roll, Villanueva now owns a 3.93 ERA and has just one win to show for his efforts. He should be better his next time out against the Pirates.

Carlos Villanueva owns a 3.02 ERA and 35/14 K/BB ratio in 47 2/3 innings over seven starts this season. Villanueva's ERA has increased in each of his last five starts, but he has been the Cubs' most consistent pitcher outside of Travis Wood. Still, the Cubs will have to decide whether to move him or Scott Feldman to the bullpen when Matt Garza (lat) is ready to return from the disabled list.

Carlos Villanueva whiffed eight batters but allowed four runs over six frames in Sunday's loss to the Marlins. He had a couple bad innings, giving up a two-run homer in the first and three hits and two runs in the sixth, and that was enough. Still, it was another solid outing for the right-hander, and he'll carry a nice 2.29 ERA and 0.82 WHIP into next weekend's start against the Reds.

Carlos Villanueva allowed just two runs in 8 1/3 innings of a no-decision against the Reds on Tuesday. The Cubs won the game, but Villanueva didn't get the win as he exited with a 2-1 lead and a runner on base. Carlos Marmol allowed the run to score before closing out the inning and serving Villanueva with a no-decision in the process. Still, the 29-year-old righty was terrific, allowing just three hits and two walks on the evening while striking out six. He's only got one win to show for his efforts, but Villanueva has been fantastic on the season, allowing just five earned runs through 29 1/3 innings. He's got a good opportunity to get his second win Sunday against the Marlins.

Carlos Villanueva allowed a pair of solo homers but otherwise held the Rangers scoreless over seven innings in Thursday's 6-2 win. He gave up a pair of singles, walked one and struck out six, needing just 87 pitches to cover the seven frames. The Cubs signed Villanueva over the winter because of his versatility, and the righty has shown early on that he's plenty capable of starting, putting up a 1.29 ERA and 0.81 WHIP through three outings. He'll have a tough challenge next week in Cincinnati.

Wednesday night's game between the Rangers and Cubs has been postponed due to rain at Wrigley Field. The weather was ugly all day in Chicago and got even worse as game time approached. No makeup date has been announced. Carlos Villanueva was scheduled to start for the Cubs and Justin Grimm was on tap for the Rangers.