Cubs activate ace Carlos Zambrano

CHICAGO, July 16 (UPI) -- The Chicago Cubs activated ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano and will start him Saturday against the Florida Marlins.

Zambrano (6-4) was placed on the 15-day disabled list July 1 because of soreness in his lower back.

Zambrano has started 18 games this season with a 4.34 ERA.

To make room for Zambrano, reliever Chris Carpenter was optioned to Class-AAA Iowa.