With the Cubs struggling to get base hits, manager Lou Piniella has decided to give rookie Tyler Colvin more at-bats.

Colvin’s pinch-hit home run was the only production of any significance from Cubs hitters in Friday’s 7-1 loss to the Cardinals.

“I’ve got some veteran outfielders who are good players,” Piniella said. “This kid is telling me [by his actions], ‘Put my name in the lineup a few more times.’”

During this homestand, the outfielders have slumped collectively. Marlon Byrd is 2-for 13, Alfonso Soriano is 1-for-12 and Xavier Nady is 1-for-7. Only Kosuke Fukudome (4-for-13) is anywhere near the productive level that the outfielders provided the first 45 games of the season.

-- Piniella said that Friday’s starter Randy Wells would be available in the bullpen over the weekend due to the fact that he only threw 16 pitches. Piniella also said that Carlos Zambrano, who pitched one shutout inning Friday, would also be available over the weekend. Zambrano is still penciled into the starting rotation either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday against Pittsburgh.