CHICAGO -- Bryan LaHair has recovered well enough to play after dealing with a nerve issue in his back, but will wait another day before he gets his first start in the Chicago Cubs lineup.

LaHair, who missed Opening Day, as well as the last four games of the spring, is available as a left-handed pinch hitter off the bench Saturday. One reason he's not starting is that the Washington Nationals have left-hander Gio Gonzalez on the mound.

“Everything went really well [Friday], pretty much a full workout,” manager Dale Sveum said. “If everything goes good like it did yesterday, which it should since he’s feeling great today, he’ll be in the lineup [Sunday].”

After hitting over 50 home runs between Triple-A and winter ball last year, he rallied after a slow start for a .295 batting average this spring, but did not hit a home run in Arizona.