Chicago Cubs: Jorge Soler could be inching closer to his return

Following the four-game weekend split with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Chicago Cubs are prepping themselves to play their second doubleheader in what will be four days when they take the field tomorrow in Pittsburgh.

Not only do they have the opportunity to extend their lead over the Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants, Chicago could close the gap on the Pirates as well.

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While they get set to decrease the Pirates 4.5 game lead for the second N.L. Wild Card spot, outfielder Jorge Soler began his rehab start with their Class-A affiliate in Myrtle Beach.

Soler was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique strain back in late August and was expected to miss a month or so of action as reported by the Chicago Tribune.

His injury that shelved him just so happened to be around his call-up anniversary date.

Prior to landing on the disabled list for the second time this season, the 23-year-old Cuban-born slugger clubbed seven big flies while driving in 42 runs and slashing .265/.325/.385 in 343 at-bats.

This later resulted in Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer making their fourth deal with the Seattle Mariners involving former Detroit Tigers’ center fielder, Austin Jackson. Who hasn’t played all that bad since jumping ship to the North Side along with former closer Fernando Rodney.

Now according to MiLB.com, Soler recorded an RBI double and came around to score as he finished yesterday’s game 1-for-4 against the Wilmington Blue Rocks – a Kansas City Royals affiliate.

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He did, however, strike out three times which shouldn’t come across as a shock considering he’s swinging for the fences in every at-bat.

So now that he’s back in the mix and inching closer to returning to the Cubs, don’t be surprised if he’s activated before this weekend’s home series against the St. Louis Cardinals or the latest being next Monday’s three-game set with the Milwaukee Brewers in town.

Having him back in Maddon’s lineup would be huge considering how well Chris Coghlan and Dexter Fowler have played since his brief injury departure.

Once he’s back up with the Cubs, Joe will have plenty of options when it comes to the outfield with Kyle Schwarber, Chris Denorfia, Coghlan, Fowler, Jackson, and even Kris Bryant who has picked up a start in right field as well.

Now all we need to do is wait for Jason Motte to return to the bullpen.

Motte was placed on the DL with a shoulder injury the same day as Soler.

Next: Long season taking its toll on bullpens