Derrek Lee took batting practice yesterday and looks to return this weekend:

Trainer Mark O'Neal acknowledged Lee is pressing to return.

"It's still a strength issue,'' O'Neal said. "He's real antsy, and we're just trying to make a good decision. We're trying to restrain him to make sure he has the strength to be able to tolerate four or five at-bats.''

At 15 1/2 games back in the division and 10 1/2 back in the wild card, Lee will need to work a great deal of magic to get the Cubs back in the playoff picture.