Cubs plan to give Wesneski first start Saturday
The Cubs are planning to give rookie pitcher Hayden Wesneski his first career start Saturday against Colorado.
He's made two relief appearances so far, posting a 3.12 ERA over 8 2/3 innings.
Veteran left-hander Wade Miley will pitch Monday in Miami. Before Friday's game, manager David Ross explained the switch.
"Matching up the series a little bit, wanting to get a look at Hayden before (Justin) Steele or Keegan (Thompson) come back, Adbert (Alzolay) will be here soon," Ross said. "Just got a lot of moving parts in the rotation and the bullpen. This was opportunity where we felt we could bump Wade back and give Hayden a look."
Rookie Javier Assad, who has been impressive in four starts, is slated to pitch Sunday.
Alzolay returns:
Adbert Alzolay was back with the team Friday after being out all season with right elbow tightness. He said his arm feels better than it has in a while and expects to be activated sometime this weekend.
Injury updates:
Nico Hoerner got an MRI Thursday for the right triceps tightness that's kept him sidelined for a few days and saw a doctor Friday. Manager David Ross said Hoerner is feeling better. ...
Seiya Suzuki was not in Friday's lineup after getting hit on the hand by a pitch Wednesday against the Mets. X-rays were negative. ... Ross said Willson Contreras is probably a week away from returning from a sprained ankle. ...
Pitcher Alec Mills had a low-back discectomy on Wednesday, removing portions of a damaged disc. He's been out since July 2 and made just seven appearances this season. ... Keegan Thompson (back tightness) was expected to pitch for the Iowa Cubs on Friday night.
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