Injury Update-Garza, Byrd, Cashner, Wells, and Soto

Right now is an opportune time to be a part of the Cubs medical team. It seems like after every game the Cubs have a new addition to the disabled list. While you  never want to use injuries as an excuse, it is reasonable for the Cubs to say that inuries may have affected their on-field production. Here is the latest on the injured Cubs.

• Matt Garza on the DL: With outfielder Lou Montanez called up to the major league roster, the Cubs had to make room on the 25 man roster. By doing so, the Cubs placed starting pitcher Matt Garza on the disabled list with a bone contusion. The early expectation is that Garza will be out until early June. The move to the disabled lift was triggered once Garza’s stiffness in his arm would not subside in order for him to pitch last Sunday against the Red Sox. Apparently, Garza has been pitching through the stiffness for most of the season. This is the second time in Garza’s career that he has been forced to go on the disabled list, the other time being in 2008.
• Marlon Byrd doing better: Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd told reporters that the bruising in his retina is going down. However, Byrd is still scheduled to see more specialists this week. For now at least, the plan is for Byrd to take it easy for the next two weeks before beginning any baseball actvities. Though, when he can start baseball activities will be determined by the specialists that he sees. Indications are that Byrd will not return until after the All-Star break.
• No Surgery for Cashner: After getting a second opinion on the strain in his right elbow, it was determined that pitcher Andrew Cashner does not need surgery. Still, an extended rehab process remains in the way of Cashner returning to the 25 man roster. Cashner will not take part in any baseball activities for the next two weeks before being re-evaluted. From there, Cashner will likely spend at least two weeks in Arizona throwing in simulated games. If all checks out at that point, Cashner would then spend another two or three weeks on a minor league rehab assignment. Putting the timetable for a return around mid to late July.
• Randy Wells, and Geovany Soto to return on Saturday: The Cubs will soon be inching towards being healthier as both Wells and Soto are expected to return to the major leagues on Saturday. For Wells, he will be taking the place of Matt Garza in the rotation. However, Casey Coleman will also remain in the rotation due to the injury to Garza. Meanwhile, Soto will make one minor league start on Thursday before returning to the Cubs on Saturday. Wellington Castillo would then be sent down to Iowa upon Soto’s return.