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All right, so I’ve tried to stay as positive as possible since Yu Darvish went on the DL in May. Even after his setback last week I wasn’t all too worried, but man, these updates just don’t sound all that great.
At least if you hoped Darvish would be back sooner rather than later. At this point, those expectations should be down because after Theo Epstein spoke with the media on Friday, the latest signals a longer road back for Darvish.
On Thursday, Cubs pitching coach Jim Hickey said that the optimistic return for Darvish would be late July. However, following Epstein’s comments on Friday, a later date seems more realistic at this point.
#Cubs Darvish doing better but has yet to play catch/throw. Theo: "We're not going to set any timetables until he moves from the strengthening phase to the throwing phase."
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 6, 2018
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Theo on Darvish – He is feeling much better. Epstein said no time table yet .
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) July 6, 2018
So, just gotta wait until Darvish builds up the strength again. And maybe Theo’s just playing it safe here, not trying to set a date to keep any pressure off Darvish if he doesn’t meet that deadline. We’ll know more once Darvish starts his throwing program again.
For a reference on when Darvish could be back, he last pitched on May 20, went on the DL May 26, had a rehab start on June 25, and the Cubs were hopeful he’d start on June 30, against the Minnesota Twins before his setback.
Darvish isn’t the only high-profile Cubs player who has been out for an extended period of time, as Kris Bryant is still on the DL with a shoulder issue.
Bryant last played on June 22. The Cubs thought he’d be back this week, but Bryant still felt discomfort in his shoulder. He took batting practice on Friday, but his return could be further delayed as well.
The Cubs might decide to send Bryant out on a rehab assignment.
Theo Epstein said Kris Bryant had a good day in the batting cage. #Cubs will decide if third baseman will make a rehab assignment.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) July 6, 2018
Theo said Kris Bryant felt really good in his cage hitting session. A rehab assignment possible. They will formulate a plan going forward . Bryant has been on DL with a sore shoulder for two weeks .
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) July 6, 2018
Seeing that Bryant has been out of game action for two weeks, a game or two in the minors might be a realistic possibility just to knock off any rust and to test out the shoulder.
Epstein also talked about the trade market and with Darvish’s timetable unknown and reliever Brian Duensing on the DL, the next four weeks will be more of a wait and see approach for the Cubs.
#Cubs have been early movers in July trade markets. Theo says they're still in "mode of assessing." Not a lot they would add w/ pos. players. Pitching TBD.
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) July 6, 2018
#Cubs Theo: "I don't think this is the year we're going to be out front beating the market but I do think industry wide there will be a lot of activity well before the deadline."
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 6, 2018
Theo sounded like nothing imminent on trade front. Duensing, Darvish etc probably forcing them to use up the whole month to assess. Oh, and he said no need for a bat so whoever wasted all that time on Machado IN MAY, shame on you. Ha.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 6, 2018
The Cubs are currently two games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the division, but it’s not like last season, when the team was playing bad in the first half.
The Cubs are 49-36, which is the second-best record in the National League.
