The Cubs mulled putting the five-time All-Star on the 15-day disabled list, even though an MRI on Tuesday revealed no major structural damage. Instead, they optioned right-handed pitcher Angel Guzman to Triple-A Iowa just before Tuesday's game against the Padres and called up top prospect Felix Pie, who started in center and batted leadoff in his major-league debut.

"I'm upset right now because I like to play everyday," Soriano said Tuesday morning. "I think I want to be there for them in a week."

The Cubs were leading San Diego 3-0 in the fifth inning Monday night when Clay Hensley lofted a fly to shallow center. Soriano sprinted in, dove and rolled over as he trapped the ball.

He then got up and slipped while attempting a throw. Trainer Mark O'Neal tended to him, and Soriano walked off under his own power.

A key component in the Cubs' offseason overhaul, Soriano is batting .245 with no homers and one RBI after signing for eight years and $136 million.

Although Soriano said he was feeling "much better," his status was in doubt until the Cubs optioned Guzman. Manager Lou Piniella spent most of the morning in a meeting with general manager Jim Hendry, assistant general manager Randy Bush and the medical staff.

"I want to do a lot of treatment, a lot of ice," Soriano said.

Pie, batting .444 (16-for-36) with a homer and six RBIs in 11 games with Iowa, learned Monday that he was getting called up.

"It's my dream," he said. "I can't explain how I'm feeling right now."