Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.
The Chicago Cubs are currently riding a season-high six-game winning streak and they’re doing it without three key players.
Kris Bryant has been on the disabled list with shoulder pain, while Yu Darvish has been out since late May. The bullpen has also been without Carl Edwards Jr. since May 30, but the good news is he should be back soon.
Edwards has been with the Iowa Cubs on a rehab assignment and although it’s a great sign that he’s back on the mound the results haven’t been pretty. Edwards has made three appearances in Triple-A in the last week and his last two outings have been rough.
The righty allowed two walks and hit a batter on Monday, only throwing six strikes out of 19 pitches. Edwards made his third relief appearance Wednesday, and it was only slightly better, as he walked one and hit another batter as well. He only threw seven strikes out of 20 pitches.
Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.
But again, it’s good to see Edwards back on the mound and he should return to the Cubs soon.
Unfortunately the latest updates for Bryant and Darvish aren’t exactly encouraging. Earlier this week Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Bryant should be back Friday at the latest.
Bryant has been on the disabled list for two weeks with a shoulder issue and before Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Tigers, Bryant’s status was still up in the air.
Kris Bryant basically day to day. Unsure about Friday activation. He’s better but not fully healed.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 4, 2018
Joe Maddon said Kris Bryant is still feeling discomfort in his shoulder . He said Bryant will test it again Friday .( Bryant has been on the DL 12 days)
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) July 4, 2018
Maddon, on Bryant’s shoulder injury: “I don’t think it’s long-term debilitating.” Admits he’s frustrated, today serves as maintenance day, will re-test on Friday.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) July 4, 2018
Not great considering the team first thought he’d be good to go on Wednesday.
The latest update on Darvish isn’t all that optimistic either.
Last week Darvish went to Dallas to get a second opinion on his elbow pain. The Cubs were planning to have Darvish back this past weekend against the Minnesota Twins, but that went out the window after he experienced pain during a bullpen session in Los Angeles.
In Dallas, Darvish got a cortisone shot for the pain and didn’t throw for five days. What’s his timetable look like now? No one really knows.
Joe Maddon said that there is plan for Yu Darvish to get with trainers and continue rehab . Maddon said there is not a plan yet for him to throw . Asked if Darvish must start from scratch “ I just don t know”
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) July 4, 2018
#Cubs Maddon talked to Darvish today and says they're trying to come up with a plan to get him on the field as soon as possible
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 4, 2018
No news on Darvish day 5 post cortisone shot, Maddon indicated Darvish felt better but no info on throwing program, etc.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) July 4, 2018
It obviously sucks that the updates on Bryant and Darvish aren’t clear and as much as it makes the Cubs a worse team, other guys are filling in nicely.
Bryant’s case appears to be a lot less serious and although the Darvish news doesn’t seem to be good, I’ve been on the shut him down until after the all-star break camp since last week’s set back.
The Cubs are 49-35, and have nine games before the break. Just get healthy and continue the run in the second half.
