Theo Epstein Gives Updates on Several Injured Cubs

Prior to the Cubs game against the Reds Monday, Theo Epstein spoke with the media about the health status of Brandon Morrow, Nico Hoerner, Adbert Alzolay, Tony Barnette, and Victor Caratini.

Morrow will be examined again later in the week with hopes that he could resume throwing soon. He was shut down after experiencing discomfort in the same elbow on which he had offseason surgery to clean up a stress reaction. Our own Ryan Thomure, an occupational therapist, wrote an in-depth post about Morrow’s most recent shut-down.

Hoerner, who is recovering from a hand injury after being hit by a pitch on Aprill 23rd, will return to the Cubs’ Mesa complex this week in order to get back in hitting shape.

Alolzay will start for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs for the first time this season. Alzolay was shut down after eight starts last year due to a lat injury.

Barnette is going to throw in an extended spring training game on Wednesday, which is a positive first step toward a return to the big leagues. Barnette was transferred to the 60-day IL on May 3 due to shoulder tightness and will be eligible to return towards the end of May.

Caratini is already in Iowa as he rapidly rehabs from a fractured hamate bone and should be back any day now. While Epstein didn’t give any specific date, it sounds as if the backup catcher could even be back this week.

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