Cubs lose 9-4 to the Reds; Kerry Wood on DL; Randy Wells could start for Ryan Dempster on Sunday; 8 Cubs on All-Star Ballot

The Cubs lose 9-4 to the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of the three game series.  Chris Volstad was the losing pitcher and gave up six runs and seven hits and walked two batters and struck out four during five innings pitched.

In his post-game press conference, Volstad said, "We're not going to back down from anybody...we know the kind of talent we have...just really haven't shown it yet."  Well, let's hope they show that talent sooner rather than later!

Chris Volstad couldn't bring the Cubs a win today against the Reds at Wrigley Field (photo from cubs.com)

Reliever Kerry Wood was placed on the 15-day disabled list today for shoulder fatigue.  Lefty reliever Scott Maine takes Woody's place on the 25-man roster.  Ryan Dempster had a MRI on his right quad today and his next start is in question.  Randy Wells was called up from Triple-A Iowa to be available in case the Cubs need him to start for Dempster on Sunday.

Starlin Castro, Darwin Barney, Ian Stewart, Geovany Soto, Marlon Byrd, Bryan LaHair, Alfonso Soriano, and David DeJesus are on the All-Star ballot for the Cubs.  Fans can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times at MLB.com and on all 30 teams' websites until Thursday, June 28, at 11:59 pm EST.  Here is a link to the 2012 MLB All-Star ballot.

The Cubs will play Game 2 against the Reds tomorrow at 12:05pm CST, where Paul Maholm will be looking for his first win with the Cubs.