[bears9]

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Cubs settled one bullpen issue Sunday, with Kerry Wood locking down the closer job, but will use the final week of the spring to settle the opening created over the weekend by left-hander Scott Eyre's sore elbow.

Eyre, who averaged 81 appearances from 2004 to '06, experienced tightness while pitching Saturday and likely won't throw much this week, if at all, which would mean opening the season on the disabled list.

That leaves the Cubs staging a final-week audition to fill what could be the only lefty slot in the bullpen.

Rookie Carmen Pignatiello, who continued a near-perfect spring with an impressive 1 2/3 innings Sunday, might be the leading candidate to replace Eyre, considering he hasn't allowed a run or a walk in eight outings (and just three hits).

Eyre's elbow creates opening in bullpen :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Cubs