Team injury updates for Cubs |
The Chicago Cubs are dealing with several injuries to key players, but there is some positive news coming out of their camp on Friday.
Reliever Codi Heuer, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury, will begin his rehab assignment on Saturday. Heuer will throw one inning with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, as he works his way back to full strength. Reliever Brandon Hughes, who has been on the injured list since late April with a left knee injury, was seen playing catch on Friday. It's unclear when he will be able to return to action, but the fact that he's starting to ramp up his activities is an encouraging sign. Starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks aka 'The Professor', who has been on the injured list this season with right shoulder inflammation, will throw a bullpen session on Saturday in Chicago. In his last I-Cubs start, he allowed four earned runs in 2 2/3 innings. If all goes well, he could be ready to return to the rotation soon. The lone member left from the 2016 Cubs is close to returning. Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) has another rehab start scheduled for Tuesday. He hasn’t pitched in an MLB game since last July. pic.twitter.com/x7Smi7Z3WL
Finally, catcher Yan Gomes is beginning baseball activities on Friday. He will focus on conditioning and light baseball activities as he gets acclimated after getting hit in the head on a backswing in a recent game. Gomes' IL stint is backdated to May 2 which means he could be back as early as May 9 with the Cubs. The Cubs have been hit hard by injuries this season, but the news on Friday is a step in the right direction. As they look to climb back into the NL Central race, they will need all hands on deck.