Carlos Zambrano Slated To Pitch In Venezuelan Winter League Sunday

Chicago Cubs right-handed starter Carlos Zambrano is scheduled to pitch next weekend in the Venezuelan Winter League, according to the Chicago Tribune. The 30-year-old starter is believed to be auditioning for teams who may be interested in acquiring the veteran starter after he finished his season on bad terms with Chicago.

Despite being placed on the MLB restricted list last August after reportedly walking out on the Cubs, Zambrano is still under contract with the team through at least the remainder of 2012. The Venezuelan native is slotted to make $18 million this coming season, and has a vested player option to make $19.25 million with the team in 2013.

In 24 starts last year for Chicago, Zambrano posted a career worst 4.82 ERA to go with a 9-7 record. The three-time All-Star posted an 11-6 record with a  3.33 ERA just one season ago.

Zambrano’s best season came in 2004 when at the age of 23 he posted a 16-8 record and a 2.75 ERA for Chicago.