Cubs News: Jose Quintana on the mend, looking to pitch

The Chicago Cubs’ Jose Quintana creeps closer to a comeback. He sliced his thumb, which required microsurgery.

The Chicago Cubs’ Jose Quintana is ready for a return. Starting rotation or bullpen? Who knows. The rotation would be the most likely bet because Tyler Chatwood has a ‘bad back,’ and there’s no timetable for his return. Back problems are the hardest to solve. Ask Anthony Rizzo. He’s had a horrible time with back strains, rib swelling and more.

Quintana cut his left thumb before the start of summer training. All the nerves appear intact, and it required a little bit of microsurgery for the win. Cubs’ manager David Ross was asked if there’s one more simulated game him.

"“I don’t like to use definites in this job because things change daily, but if you want to use that word, feel free,” Ross said. h/t Mike McGraw, Chicago Daily Herald"

He threw 61 pitches, and all seemed good. He felt great, Ross said. He’s got a simulated game coming up, but I think they’ll push it back for that. Other than that? Quintana said he felt fine, see where it goes.

Quintana has fought hard for this, grinding it out. And now that Chatwood is pushed back three days? Quintana will get his chance–maybe this weekend versus the White Sox. Chatwood was to see a back specialist, and there’s no status on his Sunday start.

Chatwood, Quintana, Kris Bryant. All out for now. Bryant will get two days and see how he feels. Quintana could make his debut this weekend, and Chatwood is ‘to be determined.’ Steven Souza out, as well. Hamstring strain. Brad Wieck was transferred to the 45-day IL to open up room for Hernan Perez, the former Milwaukee Brewers.