CHICAGO (AP) – The Chicago Cubs aren’t taking any chances with Kerry Wood.

Wood went on the disabled list Thursday after the Cubs decided they didn’t want the right-hander returning to the rotation until his sore triceps is completely healed. Wood threw 24 pitches in a bullpen session Thursday morning to see if he was ready to come back, possibly as early as Sunday.

“Woody’s session went extremely well and he feels about 95 percent,” general manager Jim Hendry said. “I don’t want him going out there Sunday at even 95 percent. We’re going to take the conservative route.

“He really could pitch Sunday,” Hendry added. “I don’t have any doubts about that. But 95 percent on May 20, that’s not good enough. It’s going to be 100 percent.”

Wood left his May 11 start after only two innings when he felt tightness in his right triceps, and tests showed inflammation but no tears. He rested for a few days before starting to throw again Monday.

Wood said he threw fastballs, sliders and curveballs Thursday morning, working out of the windup and out of the stretch, and didn’t feel any discomfort.

“I didn’t have any pain again today,” Wood said. “We’re just trying to make sure we’re not going to have any relapses and have to miss any more time. We’re being more safe than anything.”

Wood is 3-3 with a 2.82 ERA and 52 strikeouts. His injury is the latest in a long line for the Cubs, who also are missing Mark Prior, reliever Mike Remlinger, shortstop Alex Gonzalez and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek.

Even with the injuries, though, the Cubs began the day just a game out of first in the NL Central. With more than four months left in the season, the Cubs said there is no reason to rush Wood back.

“Even two years ago, I would have kept pitching. Maybe even last year,” said Wood, who missed the 1999 season after reconstructive elbow surgery. “Things are different now. We’re not trying to win anything in May.”

The Cubs are hoping to make Wood’s trip to DL retroactive to May 12. But he finished serving a five-game suspension Wednesday night for confronting plate umpire Eric Cooper on April 17 about balls and strikes. Players can’t serve suspensions while on the disabled list, and the Cubs plan to consult with the commissioner’s office.

Michael Wuertz was recalled from Triple-A Iowa to take Wood’s spot on the roster. He had a 10.38 ERA in 10 relief appearances covering 8 2-3 innings.

AP-ES-05-20-04 1455EDT