Cubs Injury Update: Hunter Harvey's surprising timeline, Daniel Palencia's next step, Shelby Miller

The Chicago Cubs provided a surprising update on Hunter Harvey over the weekend. Harvey last pitched for the Cubs on April 8 before landing on the IL with a triceps injury, and after experiencing a setback in May, the belief was that he wouldn't pitch again this season.

That appears to be an overreaction. Craig Counsell provided an injury update over the weekend, and confirmed that Harvey has made significant strides in his recovery. Harvey has resumed throwing bullpen sessions and should start a minor-league rehab assignment within the next week or two. That would place his potential return around the middle of August.

Hunter Harvey could return to the Cubs' bullpen in August, but can't be an expectation

Harvey now being on track to return this season is certainly an encouraging development, but it can't be viewed as a reason for the front office to not add to the bullpen. Injuries have defined Harvey's career and even if he does come back next month, it's far from a certainty that he remains healthy for the remainder of the season.

If all goes well, it is interesting thinking about the pitchers the Cubs could have in their bullpen by the end of the season. Harvey, Justin Steele, and Ben Brown could all be potential options for Counsell.

Daniel Palencia throws bullpen, nearing minor-league rehab assignment

Counsell also confirmed that Harvey is one the same timeline as Daniel Palencia. That is more revealing of how much progress Harvey has made than it is Palencia, but the update on the team's closer is certainly needed.

During the All-Star break, Palencia didn't exactly take a step forward in his recovery from right elbow inflammation. That put his timeline in a murky spot, considering Counsell didn't give a specific timeline when the Cubs returned from break. But after Palencia had a strong bullpen session over the weekend, he is tracking to start a minor-league rehab assignment within the next couple of weeks.

Shleby Miller is on track to pitch for the Cubs this season, giving the bullpen another option

When the Cubs signed Shelby Miller to a two-year deal at the start of spring training, there wasn't an expectation that he would pitch this season. Miller had Tommy John surgery at the end of last season.

Miller, however, was confident that he could return to the Cubs by September. September 1 still seems early, but the impression is now that the veteran pitcher will be in the bullpen before October. Miller has also resumed bullpen sessions, and is on track to start a minor-league rehab assignment in the near future. Unlike Palencia and Harvey, Miller will likely have a lengthier assignment as he works his way back.

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