Extra bases

• Cubs pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa, on the disabled list with a strained right forearm, threw his second bullpen session Thursday, and the next step could be a rehab outing Sunday with Triple-A Iowa.

"His command and everything was much better," Sveum said. "Everything looked a lot crisper than the other day [in his first bullpen session]."

Fujikawa could start his rehab outing to make sure he gets one inning of work. However, the Cubs do want to have him pitch in relief to get into his normal routine in preparation for his return.

• Cubs third basemen have combined for seven home runs in 27 games, most in the Major Leagues, and more than half of what they hit in 2012. Luis Valbuena has hit five, and Cody Ransom had two as a third baseman entering Thursday's game against the Padres. Last season, Cubs third basemen combined to hit 12 home runs.

• If you're coming to next Wednesday's Cubs-Cardinals game at Wrigley Field, wear pink. It will be the first Cubs Charities "Pink Out," presented by Advocate Health Care, to promote breast cancer awareness. Fans sitting in the Budweiser Bleachers will receive pink hats, which will be handed out at the gate by the wives of Cubs coaches and players.

All fans in attendance that day are encouraged not only to wear pink, but also participate in the Chicago Cubs Charities 50/50 Raffle. Proceeds will benefit mammograms for under/uninsured women through Advocate Healthcare.

The Cubs and Advocate Health Care will honor breast cancer survivors by having them throw out the first pitch, sing the National Anthem and during the seventh-inning stretch.