Cubs Injury Update: Trent Thornton optimism, Phil Maton timeline, Matt Shaw

Given the nature of how things have unfolded for the Chicago Cubs bullpen this season, Trent Thornton has emerged as a high-leverage option for Craig Counsell. Thornton sports a 2.70 ERA through 27 appearances this season, but the 32-year-old is now trying to avoid a trip to the IL.

Thornton took a come-backer to the heel during the Cubs' loss to the Tigers on Monday night, and needed to be helped off the field. Surprisingly, the impression from Thornton meeting with reporters on Tuesday is that he may have avoided a serious injury.

Trent Thornton has become someone the Cubs can't afford to lose

Further testing confirming that Thornton did not suffer a fracture with the injury on Monday, and the Cubs have him listed as day-to-day. Adding to the bullpen was certainly going to be an area of focus for the Cubs before the trade deadline, but it goes without saying that health will also be a key component.

Thornton has been a success story for the Cubs this season, and if the bullpen is going to stabilize between now and October, he will need to continue to be part of the mix.

Phil Maton likely won't be pitching innings of consequence again for the Cubs this season

The Cubs were anticipating bads news for Phil Maton, with the indication that surgery could be an option after he landed on the IL for a third time this season with knee tendonitis.

While surgery wasn't the determination, Craig Counsell confirmed Maton will be sidelined for at least the next three weeks. Maton received a PRP injection in his right knee, and the timeline for his potential return makes it hard to believe he will be a factor in bullpen during the playoffs.

Matt Shaw still not cleared for hitting while trade rumors tick up

Matt Shaw is a clear trade chip for the Chicago Cubs, especially if they have hope of landing a starting pitcher under control beyond this season. Even if he isn't traded, the way Shaw was hitting before his wrist injury, he was angling toward becoming a regular in the starting lineup.

Coming out of the All-Star break, the Cubs were circling around the first week of August for when Shaw could return. Talking to the Chicago Sun-Times' Jeff Agrest earlier this week, Shaw indicated that he hasn't been cleared to hit yet.

Given the years of control that Shaw has, the injury likely doesn't completely rule out the idea of him being trade piece before the deadline. In part, his value beyond this season is why the Cubs can dangle him in trade talks.

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