ESPN MLB

PHOENIX -- Chicago Cubs closer Kerry Wood, who appeared headed for the disabled list with a troublesome blister on his right index finger, might avoid the DL after all.

The team is hoping that a new regimen of treatment and its well-rested pitching staff will allow Wood to take a couple of days to heal, try throwing again Wednesday and be available to pitch later this week, according to Chicago-area media reports. If not, he could still head to the DL, with a return to the active roster as early as Sunday.

Wood, who has been sidelined since July 11 with the blister, visited a hand specialist on Monday and has begun treating the problem with a different kind of ointment, according to reports. While the blister has healed, the index finger is still tender.

But the Cubs have gotten plenty of innings from their starting pitching, giving the bullpen enough rest to get by without having to put Wood on the DL and call up a replacement.

"We're fortunate," manager Lou Piniella said, according to reports. "Our starting pitching was working well in Houston, worked the bulk of the innings. Our bullpen is very rested. We can afford to carry [Wood] for a few more days."