If needed, Turner ready to answer starting call

If needed, Turner ready to answer starting call

CHICAGO -- Jacob Turner pitched in relief on Thursday, although it was more like a start, and it could lead to a start on Tuesday against the Reds.

Officially, Turner entered in the sixth inning in relief of Tsuyoshi Wada, who had started Tuesday's game. That contest was suspended because of rain, and it resumed on Thursday in the sixth. Turner threw 34 pitches over two innings, and the Cubs held on for a 2-1 win over the Giants.

Manager Rick Renteria has yet to name a starter for next Tuesday against the Reds. It would be Edwin Jackson's start, but the right-hander was placed on the disabled list Thursday with a strained right lat.

Turner is ready.

"Definitely," he said when asked if he could go five innings. "I was starting at the beginning of the month. I don't think I'd have any problem going five [innings], and depending on how stressful the innings were, getting back up and down wouldn't be a problem."

Turner did throw more pitches on the side after his outing Thursday.

"Whatever they decide, I'll go out there and do the best I can," Turner said.

The Cubs acquired Turner on Aug. 8 from the Marlins in exchange for two Minor League pitchers. Turner, 23, was 4-7 with a 5.97 ERA in 20 appearances (12 starts) for Miami.

Turner admitted he felt a little anxious Thursday because he wanted to preserve the Cubs' 2-0 lead.

"You feel like you have extra pressure, because you don't want to blow it for the starter, especially since I've been a starter for so long," Turner said. "I can appreciate that, coming out of the bullpen, keeping the team in the game, keeping us in the lead. It was fun to warm up like normal."
