NEWSLETTER
It’s a slow process, but so far so good in the rehabilitations of pitchers Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner. The duo threw again of the mound yesterday, and neither experienced any pain (Wells in his forearm, Cashner in his shoulder).
“I threw my second bullpen [Wednesday] and feel pain-free,” Wells said. “It’s just a matter of getting cranked up and getting my arm built up.”
Cashner and Wells will travel to Arizona after the Cubs complete their road trip in Los Angeles against the Dodgers on Wednesday.
The Cubs’ plan is to have them continue throwing on the side during the next week and eventually throw to hitters in a simulated game followed by minor league rehab starts.
“The most frustrating thing is you’re not sure when you’re going to be ready,” Wells said. “You have to trust in the trainers and the program you’re on. You know that they have your best interest in mind.” ESPN Chicago.
If, indeed, both Wells and Cashner are able to follow their hoped schedule – side sessions the week of the 9th, throw to hitters some time around the May 13th weekend, and then a couple rehab starts the week of the 16th – they could be back during the May 24-30 homestand. In fact, Wells says that’s exactly what he’s targeting.
That schedule would put Wells just a couple weeks over the original timetable for his return, and would put Cashner on schedule to return when he was expected almost to the day.
If it plays out that way, Casey Coleman will get three or four more starts (unless the Cubs make a change), and the team will need to find a fifth starter two or three more times.
