Carlos Zambrano goes to bullpen

The impending activation of injured lefthander Ted Lilly this weekend means the Cubs had to remove someone from the starting rotation and it will be Carlos Zambrano, who will become the setup man to closer Carlos Marmol. This is a major hit to Zambrano's fantasy value. The Cubs bullpen has an ERA of 6.15.

Zambrano isn't the pitcher he once was, but he is better than two pitchers that were kept in the rotation over him. Carlos Silva, who has been awful the past two seasons, keeps his spot in the rotation after just two good starts. Tom Gorzelanny (1.93 ERA in two starts) will also remain a starter.

Zambrano got off to a bad start allowing eight runs in 1 1/3 innings in his first start of the season, but has been better in his last three starts. He is 1-2 with a 7.45 ERA and a 26/10 K/BB ratio in 19 1/3 innings and has allowed four home runs. It's a small sample, but there's nothing to suggest he deserved to be sent to the bullpen. This move seems desperate.

If you're a Zambrano onwer, just be patient. I don't think this will be long term. I think Zambrano finds his way back into the starting rotation. If you can acquire Zambrano for cheap following this announcement, I would do it.