Manager Dusty Baker said Lee could return during the team's six-game trip, which began Friday, but is unlikely to be activated during the three-game series at St. Louis because he hasn't worked much with offspeed pitches. "He doesn't feel any pain and his pop is big-time," Baker said. "He's been hitting on the field a lot at home and he's been hitting balls on the moon."
(Updated 8/26/2006)

Analysis: The first baseman is hitting .261 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 34 games for the Cubs this season after winning the NL batting title with a .335 average and adding 46 homers and 107 RBIs. He has not played since July 23.