Gregg locking down Cubs' ninth-inning role

CHICAGO -- The Cubs' bullpen has had several personnel changes, but one thing will stay the same and that is Kevin Gregg as closer.

Gregg took over for Kyuji Fujikawa, who had replaced Carlos Marmol after the first week of the regular season. Gregg is 6-for-6 in save opportunities since he joined the Cubs on April 16. Could Marmol get the job back?

"To be honest, I hope not," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. "It's not taking anything away from [Marmol] -- he's pitched good in what he's doing, but it would mean Gregg's not doing a very good job, and he's done a great job."

Fujikawa is no longer a factor. He was placed on the disabled list Monday because of a right elbow strain and will undergo Tommy John surgery.

Gregg, who allowed a run in the ninth inning of Thursday's 8-3 win over the White Sox, may do so well that he draws interest at the July 31 Trade Deadline.

"Right now, we're worried about today and I'm not worried about what happens at the Trade Deadline," Sveum said. "You can't do that."