Cubs probables vs Twins suggest one return from injury isn't happening yet

The Chicago Cubs announced their probable starting pitchers for their series against the Minnesota Twins this weekend, and it would suggest that one roster move fans were expecting to see immediately after the All-Star break may not happen that fast.

Colin Rea will get the start for the Cubs on Friday, followed by Matthew Boyd on Saturday and Shota Imanaga closing out the series on Sunday.

It's a little surprising not seeing Jameson Taillon among the probables. Taillon was with the Cubs near the end of last week on the off chance there was an injury. If there was, Taillon was going to make an abbreviated start before the All-Star break. Instead, Taillon worked a minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Iowa. It was a scoreless outing, striking out three in 4 and 2/3 innings of work.

Jameson Taillon's return is imminent, but it's not happening against the Twins

The Cubs have patched together their starting rotation for much of the season, but especially in the past month, considering Taillon, Ben Brown, and Edward Cabrera were on the IL at the same time. Brown and Cabrera are still several weeks away from returning, and in Brown's case, a return to the rotation may be unlikely for this season.

With Taillon not among the probables for the weekend series against the Twins, that is an indicator that he won't be reinstated from the IL until Monday at the earliest. Craig Counsell will likely provide clarity on Taillon's status before Friday's game, but it's possible the Cubs just wanted to keep an extra arm in the bullpen.

Assuming Taillon is back before one turn through the rotation, that would allow Javier Assad to be used a long-man in the bullpen this weekend. Considering the instability that has been in the bullpen over the last several weeks, adding Assad would bridge the gap until the Cubs make an external addition before the trade deadline.

A key factor to the second-half of the season for the Cubs is getting healthy. The team was able to survive the wave of injuries they've had since April, and if you squint, there's reason to believe they are finally reaching the other side of that struggle. Taillon's return is the first step, as is the eventual returns of Brown, Cabrera, Daniel Palencia, and Hoby Milner. The wild-card remains Justin Steele, who could be ticketed for a bullpen role in September.

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