Chris Volstad wasn't so good Thursday against the Padres, giving up six runs on nine hits and a walk over 4 2/3 innings. He only recorded two strikeouts and was taken deep by Jason Bartlett. Volstad had given up just one run in his first three spring outings to earn a spot among the starting five, but he was due for an outing like this. He can't be counted on for much even in NL-only fantasy leagues this season.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum told SiriusXM radio's Jim Bowden there's "probably" one rotation spot open and that Chris Volstad is already in. Jeff Samardzija also is a ''virtual lock,'' leaving Randy Wells to start out in the bullpen. Volstad threw six innings against minor leaguers Saturday and has put himself in the driver's seat for the final spot in the rotation. Wells has not allowed a run in four Cactus League games.

Chris Volstad had his good stuff again for the Cubs Tuesday, tossing three scoreless innings on two hits in a win over the Giants. He's now twirled six scoreless frames to kick off his spring to perhaps put himself in the driver's seat for the final spot in the Cubs rotation. He could potentially churn out some value in NL-only formats this season, but history suggests that we shouldn't count on much.

The Cubs and RHP Chris Volstad avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.655 million contract. Volstad, who was recently acquired from the Marlins for Carlos Zambrano, was arbitration-eligible for the first time this offseason. The 25-year-old right-hander had an underwhelming 4.89 ERA over 29 starts last season, but advanced metrics like FIP and xFIP say that he pitched much better than the results indicate. He should have a spot in the back-end of the Cubs' starting rotation this season.

Cubs acquired RHP Chris Volstad from the Marlins for RHP Carlos Zambrano and cash considerations. The Cubs had to cover most of Zambrano's salary, but they did get something of value in return. While Volstad has a 4.73 ERA over the past two seasons, a number of advanced metrics suggest that he has pitched better than his results indicate. The 25-year-old right-hander is arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter and is under team control through 2014. He figures to join a rotation which will include some combination of Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells, Travis Wood and Andrew Cashner.

According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, Chris Volstad is going to the Cubs as part of the Carlos Zambrano trade. It's not yet known if there are other players involved, or how much of Zambrano's contract will the Cubs will have to eat. Volstad, 25, was the 16th overall pick in the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft. He posted a 4.89 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 117/49 K/BB ratio in 165 2/3 innings last season for the Marlins.

Chris Volstad is a non-tender candidate this offseason. Volstad wasn't invited when the Marlins unveiled their new uniforms last Friday, which is an indication that the front office could be leaning toward cutting him loose or trading him before the December 12 deadline. "I don't really know that I could get mad at them," said Volstad. "I mean, it would have been cool to be a part of it but I don't know really what their plans are. "Maybe my plans are with them or not, but maybe they're not 100 percent sure yet." Volstad, 25, went 5-13 with a 4.89 ERA and 117/49 K/BB ratio over 165 2/3 innings this season. He could make between $2-3 million in his first year of arbitration.

Chris Volstad allowed two runs and three hits over six innings in his start against the Nationals on Wednesday. Volstad took the loss to finish 5-13 with a 4.89 ERA, but with five straight solid starts to end the year, he pretty much guaranteed that he'll open next year in Florida's rotation. There isn't much upside here, but we still gotta think he's going to establish himself as an adequate fourth starter in time.

Chris Volstad allowed two runs on seven hits in five innings on Monday, taking a no-decision in Florida's 5-4, 12-inning win over the Braves. He struck out four and walked one. Volstad has now allowed three or fewer runs in four consecutive starts, dropping his ERA from 5.66 to 5.31. He'll get the Nationals in Washington this weekend.

Chris Volstad allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings on Wednesday, falling to 5-12 in Florida's 3-2 loss at Citi Field. Volstad struck out four and walked two in his second consecutive quality start. Now the owner of a 5.74 ERA in 31 1/3 innings since the All-Star break, Volstad will get the Mets again on Monday, this time at home.