Cubs News: Theo Epstein provides updates on Kyle Hendricks' return, Craig Kimbrel's debut |
CHICAGO — In a media session on Monday, Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations
Theo Epstein shared several tidbits of good news with reporters, most of which pertained to Cubs pitchers. The fascinating theme of Epstein's remarks was that the Cubs will be teeming with arms in the near future. While pitching depth has been an issue for the Cubs all season, the young pitchers who have assimilated themselves in the big leagues due to the injury woes affecting certain veteran pitchers will provide Epstein with some difficult roster decisions to make in the coming weeks.
Epstein touched on new closer Craig Kimbrel, as well as injured pitchers Carl Edwards Jr. and Kyle Hendricks and a few other recuperating Cubs. Kimbrel is gearing up to make his Cubs debut, and Epstein told the press could potentially join the North Siders toward the end of the week if he fares well in the minors at the beginning of the week. Epstein also shared that Hendricks, who is currently on the injured list with a shoulder injury, made 15 light throws from the mound to jumpstart his recovery process on Monday. According to Epstein, Hendricks could possibly return prior to the All-Star break. As for Edwards, who has not pitched since June 10 due to a left thoracic strain that landed him on the injured list, he was able to throw several warmup tosses from 120 feet on Monday and is expected to resume pitching soon. Also of note, backend Cubs reliever Brandon Morrow has successfully carried out two mound sessions with no setbacks at the Cubs' Arizona facility. Outside of the pitching realm, shortstop Nico Hoerner, one of the Cubs' top prospects, is on track to begin his rehab assignment for a wrist ailment later this week.
