Contreras inches closer to return
Good news for the Cubs, who have missed Willson Contreras’ bat in their lineup: The two-time All-Star catcher could be back as early as Friday against the White Sox after going on the injured list Aug. 12 with a sprained right knee.
Contreras went through multiple rounds of batting practice Tuesday before stormy weather forced the postponement of the Rockies-Cubs game at Wrigley Field. He also had an intense workout on the bases, running close to maximum effort.
Contreras is eligible to come off the IL on Friday, and facing the Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field isn’t out of the question.
“I heard he moved well out there,” manager David Ross said. “We’ll see how he feels [Wednesday].”
Although getting Contreras back is important for the Cubs, they’ll avoid putting too much on his plate too fast. Against the White Sox and the Twins, they’ll have the option of using him as a designated hitter, which could be perfect.
“If he’s healthy, Willson slides in nicely,” Ross said. “That would be a really nice DH. He’s probably one of the better hitters on our roster and a two-time All-Star. We don’t have any of those guys on the roster right now. So fitting him in there until he’s healthy . . . would be a definite bonus for us.”
Doubling up after postponement
The postponed game with the Rockies will be made up as part of a split doubleheader Wednesday, with the first game starting at 1:20 p.m. and the second at 5:30.
Right-hander Zach Davies will start Game 1 for the Cubs. Left-hander Justin Steele, the scheduled starter Tuesday, will start Game 2. Both games will be seven innings.
Rehab start for Alzolay
Right-hander Adbert Alzolay will make a rehab start at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, his final step before returning. He has been on the 10-day IL with a strained left hamstring since Aug. 14 but has been throwing bullpens. Alzolay is 4-13 with a 5.16 ERA in 21 starts this season.
“He’ll throw a little short stint there [in Iowa] and make sure everything’s clean,” Ross said.