Injury Updates: Julian Merryweather Throws Live BP at Wrigley, Caleb Kilian Making Rehab Appearance in South Bend

The Cubs’ decimated pitching staff got a little good news on the injury front Tuesday as both Julian Merryweather and Caleb Kilian are progressing in their respective returns. Merryweather was expected to be the team’s setup man, but a combination of rib and back issues have sidelined him for nearly three months now. He threw a 25-pitch bullpen at Wrigley and will remain with the team this week while they decide on his next steps. Getting him back after just four appearances in March and April will help, though it might be too little too late.

Kilian never got the chance to contribute to the big league team because he went down with a shoulder injury in early March. He’s slated to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday night in South Bend and could progress quickly from there, giving the Cubs a little more depth for the rotation or bullpen as a long reliever. Again, might not matter as much at this point.

Regardless of whether and how these two can help the Cubs find a sense of direction, it’s nice to have positive injury updates for once.