Tonight's Cubs vs. Reds game cancelled until a later date

After a two-hour and 13-minute rain delay, tonight's Cubs game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park was cancelled and will be played on a later date.  Jeff Samardzija, who was scheduled to pitch tonight, will start in tomorrow's game at 6:10pm CT.  Ryan Dempster will come off the disabled list and start for Thursday's game.

Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati was drenched in rain tonight (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Samardzija already had been given one extra day of rest after being pushed back in the Cubs' rotation.  "He's had plenty of rest," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said.

Paul Maholm, who was originally scheduled to start Wednesday, will now get extra time to rest and will start on Friday to open the Cubs' series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field.

The game postponement also gives the Cubs' bullpen a chance to recover.  Scott Maine has been sick, even though he was able to pitch on Monday.  Rafael Dolis was unavailable Tuesday but will be ready to go Wednesday, Sveum said.  Randy Wells will be available in the bullpen Wednesday, giving the Cubs eight available relievers, depending on how Maineis feeling.

Meanwhile, here's a fun photo from last night's Cubs-Phillies game:

Bryan LaHair is high-fived by Starlin Castro after hitting a home run to tie up the game on Monday against the Phillies (photo from Chicago Sun-Times)