MESA, Ariz. - Cubs closer Carlos Marmol returned to a normal work schedule Thursday after surviving a $20 million scare when MRI results showed no serious problems following a hand cramp and tightness in his neck.

I feel great,'' said Marmol, who left Tuesday's game after his hand cramped for about a half-minute following a pitch to the fourth batter he faced.No worries. I'm going to play catch like normal today. Everything's normal.''

Marmol, who's in the second year of a three-year, $20 million deal, said the doctor suggested a little tightness'' in his neck when the doctor pushed his head from side to side before the MRI Wednesday. But the subsequent MRI in his shoulder and neck - where the hand's nerve root is - showedno significant nerve injury,'' the team said.

It's not a big deal,'' he said.I didn't feel it. ... I was normal. But they want to make sure everything's all right.

``I'm getting old, man,'' he joked.

Marmol, who struggled early in camp before pitching well in his last three appearances, expects to get back in a game Monday, and plans to work with pitching coach Chris Bosio on his fastball in the bullpen until then.

Right now I feel great on the mound,'' he said.Time to get ready, man. It's getting close. The season is almost here.''