Soriano hopes for quick return to Cubs

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 18 (UPI) -- Chicago Cubs slugger Alfonso Soriano says he hopes his finger injury heals enough to play before next month's all-star break.

The Cubs placed the left-fielder on the 15-day disabled list Friday because club doctors felt he would be sidelined a minimum of six weeks.

The injury occurred when hit by a pitch by Atlanta's Jeff Bennett.

Soriano joined the Cubs in St. Petersburg, Fla., before Tuesday night's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays and later told reporters that the hand will be re-examined Friday.

"I hope so," he said when asked if he could be ready to play in the All-Star Game July 15 at Yankee Stadium. "I think before the All-Star Game, I'll be ready to play. That's what I hope. If I can play, I'll go."

"If anybody can get back quicker than the timetable, it's him," Cubs Manager Lou Piniella said.

Soriano is hitting .283 with 15 home runs and 40 RBI.