Nothing major to update on the injury front – good or bad – but a few bit to touch on …
⇒ Ian Happ said he was available if needed yesterday after taking a pitch off of his kneecap (X-rays negative), but David Ross wanted to take it easy given the off-day today, which would give Happ at least two consecutive days off (Cubs.com). “He’s doing all right. He says he feels good. Said he’s available, but I think just as I’m making out the lineup and stuff last night, assuming there’s some soreness, assuming that two days off wouldn’t hurt anybody right now – none of these guys have been on their feet nine innings before the start of the season – so it just makes a lot of sense.”
Happ is currently expected to be available as normal for the series in Pittsburgh starting tomorrow.
⇒ Wade Miley (left elbow inflammation) has begun playing light catch out in Arizona after a period of being completely shut down. If he checks the “successfully plays catch” box this week, you could theoretically see him doing some mound work next week. From there, it’s a ramp-up process to game readiness, which might involve a short rehab stint. I still don’t expect him to be with the big league team before May, so you’re just rooting for no setbacks.
⇒ Alec Mills (lower back strain) was placed on the IL to open the season in a bit of a surprise, though it’s been dubbed a bit of extra caution. He threw a simulated game in Arizona yesterday, and he’ll be eligible to come off the IL in Colorado later this week if the Cubs want/he’s ready. When he does come off the IL, I think it’s gonna be a role TBD situation, but it’s possible the Cubs are angling for him to take one of those starts against the Rockies.
⇒ No update right now on shortstop Andrelton Simmons, who has been slowed by a sore shoulder. He is eligible to come off the IL later this week, but I’m not sure if that will happen, or if he’ll first get some at bats on a brief minor league rehab stint.