The Chicago Cubs' health as a team is greatly improving. On Monday, Justin Steele returned to the mound and pitched 4.2 scoreless innings. On Tuesday, news of Cody Bellinger's activation was confirmed by Craig Counsell on the radio. In addition, positive news regarding Seiya Suzuki and other injured Cubs was released on Tuesday.
According to Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network, Suzuki is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday. The Iowa Cubs are currently at home taking on the Columbus Clippers for a six-game set beginning on Tuesday. The report did not confirm how many games Suzuki will play, but it's very possible that he plays two or three games then joins the team in Pittsburgh this weekend.
In addition to the Suzuki news, injured left-handed pitchers Jordan Wicks and Drew Smyly are throwing bullpens on Tuesday. Smyly was placed on the 15-day IL on April 23, and Wicks was placed on the 15-day IL on April 28. Both players are eligible to return on Wednesday, May 8 and Monday, May 13, respectively.
Once these three players return, the Cubs have returned all their meaningful contributors from injury. The Cubs are still 21-15 despite the missing firepower in the lineup and on the pitching staff. Ideally, more wins will continue to pile up now that the team is almost fully healthy for the first time all season.
The Cubs will look to get back in the win column on Tuesday after falling 6-3 to the San Diego Padres on Monday night. LHP Shota Imanaga will look to continue his early-season dominance as a critical piece in Cody Bellinger returns to the lineup.
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