CUBS IN BRIEF Righty Garza shows he can flat throw
Right-hander Matt Garza threw on flat ground Saturday in his first action since leaving his July 21 start against the Cardinals after three innings.
Garza, who has felt cramping in his right triceps, threw without problems and is to throw a bullpen session Monday. He will be evaluated after that.
‘‘He’s gradually progressing,’’ manager Dale Sveum said. ‘‘Everything is getting better each day, so that’s good. We’ll get him out there [pitching] late next week.’’
But Garza’s future depends on what happens before the 3 p.m. non-waiver trade deadline Tuesday as the Cubs weigh potential offers for him.
It will be a significant day either way for Garza. Doctors plan to induce his wife to deliver their fourth child on Tuesday.
Garza, 28, left his last start in St. Louis complaining of cramping in his right upper arm. An MRI performed this week was ‘‘clean,’’ Sveum said, showing only some fluid near the triceps.
Most likely, the procedure also was done to clear any doubts about Garza’s health. better second base,’’ Sveum said. ‘‘He warrants a Gold Glove. He’s played as good a second base as I’ve seen through 100 games. He’s consistent at turning the double play, catching pop-ups, knowing how to play every hitter and paying attention to details — things that go unnoticed. He’s incredible and only a year and a half from playing shortstop his whole life.’’
Barney entered the game in the eighth as a defensive replacement to extend his errorless streak at second base to 86 games. He has played 687 consecutive innings since his last miscue at second in the eighth inning April 17. He leads major-league second basemen with a .998 fielding average.