Cubs Injury Update: Dansby Swanson recovery, What's next for Shelby Miller, Edward Cabrera

The return of Matt Shaw certainly should help the Chicago Cubs navigate the absence of Dansby Swanson, but if the Cubs want to have an extended run during the playoffs, they will need a healthy Swanson back with the team.

Swanson was placed on the IL with an oblique strain nearly two weeks ago, and the original timeline provided by the Cubs was four-to-six weeks. Updating reporters on Friday, Craig Counsell confirmed that Swanson is on track and has resumed baseball activity.

Latest Dansby Swanson update offers hope he'll return in time for Cubs' playoff push

It's certainly an encouraging sign that Swanson has resumed baseball activity. At the time of the injury, Swanson revealed it was the first time in his career that he had a soft-tissue injury. That added a level of uncertainty to his timeline, considering oblique injuries can be tedious.

Fortunately, it seems that Swanson is headed in the right direction and should be back at shortstop by the time the playoffs start.

There's one thing Shelby Miller needs to do before he becomes an option in the bullpen

Shelby Miller is on a rehab assignment of his own, and he's looked dominant, striking out over 42% of the hitters he's faced. Miller is recovering from Tommy John surgery, hence why the Cubs are slow-playing his return. There's a hope that Miller could be an option in the bullpen in September, but there is one box he still needs to check.

Given the nature of the schedule in the playoffs, the Cubs will need to roster pitchers capable of going on back-to-back games. Miller has yet to do so on his rehab assignment, and until he does, his return will continue to be viewed as a bonus.

Edward Cabrera set to throw a bullpen, Cubs view him as an option for the bullpen

Edward Cabrera is set to throw a bullpen over the weekend, and the plan remains for him to pitch out of the bullpen once he's reinstated from the IL. Cabrera will be eligible to come off the IL at the start of September.

Given that Ben Brown likely won't be pitching for the Cubs again this season, Cabrera's return does have added importance. The Cubs will need an effective bulk-option available in the bullpen during the playoffs, and one that is capable of missing bats. When he's right, Cabrera checks that box. The problem is that Cabrera has rarely been right this season.

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