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CHICAGO -- Kerry Wood's right arm is structurally sound, a bone scan showed Monday, but the Chicago Cubs' ace is still expected to miss up to three weeks.

The test confirmed the original diagnosis of tendinitis in the lower triceps muscle. There was no evidence of a stress fracture.

	Kerry Wood Starting Pitcher Chicago Cubs Profile
	2004 SEASON STATISTICS GM W L Sv K ERA 7 3 3 0 52 2.82

Wood was put on the disabled list last Thursday, retroactive to May 12, and hoped to be able to pitch Friday in Pittsburgh. But he was forced to cut a live batting practice session short Sunday afternoon after feeling more discomfort.

Wood will rest for one week and then resume his throwing regimen.

The Cubs said they expect him to sidelined for 2½-to-3 weeks, pushing his return back to early June.

Wood left a start against the Dodgers on May 11 after two innings because of soreness in the triceps, and has missed two starts since. Initial tests, including an MRI, showed inflammation in the triceps, but no tears.

Wood, 3-3 with a 2.82 ERA and 52 strikeouts, missed the entire 1999 season after elbow ligament replacement surgery, so the Cubs are being overly cautious with their prized pitcher.

"We told Woody if he wasn't 100 percent at any time this week, that we'll kick back and shut it down," general manager Jim Hendry said Sunday.

Chicago began the day tied with Cincinnati for first place in the NL Central. The Cubs have gone 25-18 despite having already had nine players on the disabled list; the club record for a season is 16 in 1970.

Fellow ace Mark Prior has been on the disabled list all year with an inflamed Achilles tendon and a sore elbow, though he'll make his second rehab start at Class A Lansing on Tuesday night and could return the first weekend in June.

Sammy Sosa is out with a strained ligament in his back brought on by two sneezes.

The Cubs also are without second baseman Mark Grudzielanek (Achilles' heel) and shortstop Alex Gonzalez (broken wrist). Reliever Mike Remlinger (shoulder) returned Saturday, only to be replaced on the disabled list by lefty Kent Mercker, who has a sore lower back.

Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press