Cubs Injury Update: Michael Soroka timeline, Miguel Amaya return, and Javier Assad

The status of Michael Soroka's throwing shoulder has suddenly become one of the biggest storylines of the Chicago Cubs' season. Which, again, speaks to how bad of a decision it was for the Cubs to think that adding Soroka to their pitching staff was the right gamble at the MLB trade deadline.

After the Cubs' loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, Craig Counsell revealed a preliminary timeline for when we might be able to expect the next update.

Even the most optimistic timeline likely doesn't have Soroka pitching for the Cubs again until September. Though, as of now, the Cubs are simply referring to it as a shoulder strain. The assumption is that Counsell will have another update on the injury once Soroka resumes baseball activity.

There's almost certain to be a minor-league rehab start for Soroka, considering he now has four consecutive starts where his fastball velocity dipped. The Cubs will likely want to be cautious with Soroka, which is unfortunate given the trade and that he is a free agent. That said, if they can get him back for one final postseason push in September, it may be the best-case scenario.

Cubs Injury Update: Miguel Amaya's return date revealed

Counsell revealed to reporters that the plan is for Miguel Amaya to return for the Cubs' series against the Toronto Blue Jays next week. The Cubs play a four-game set in Toronto, and Amaya has been on a minor-league rehab assignment with the Iowa Cubs.

Once Amaya does return, the expectation remains that Reese McGuire will be designated for assignment. Considering the recent struggles of the Cubs' offense, there is no justification that can be made for the team to carry three catchers on their bench.

Cubs Injury Update: Javier Assad could return as soon this weekend

The injury to Soroka places added importance on the return of Javier Assad to the Major League level. It's likely not a position the Cubs wanted to be in, considering Assad has yet to make a pitch at the Major League level this season. With the right addition at the deadline, the Cubs could have been in a position where anything they received from Assad could have been viewed as a bonus. Instead, the Cubs will now need Assad's return to stabilize their pitching staff.

Assad made a minor-league rehab start on Wednesday and could be back as soon as this weekend.

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