Cubs' Maddon: We haven't talked about using a sixth starter
After stutter-stepping their way through the early season schedule with off-days, the Cubs have begun a busy stretch.
They have an off-day May 13 before heading to Cincinnati and not another until May 30 between stops in Houston and St. Louis.
Manager Joe Maddon says the Cubs have not talked about dropping in a sixth starting pitcher during the busy period. Lefty Mike Montgomery was set to throw a bullpen session Sunday as he gets close to completing a minor-league rehab assignment.
Montgomery is on the injured list with a lat strain. The Cubs already have used right-hander Tyler Chatwood to start in place of Jon Lester when Lester was on the IL.
"We haven't discussed that, but it's not a bad thought," Maddon said. "We haven't gotten there on that. Monty's stretched out. Chatwood's kind of stretched out right now. But we have not gotten there regarding all that. Right now, the starters are in pretty good shape, innings and number of pitches thrown.
"I was actually worried about the extra days (off). I was actually worried about giving them extra days especially that week thing where lined it up with the Dodgers and the lefties and the righties with Arizona. I was concerned for Cole (Hamels) and Lester in that stretch, but they came out of it well. I would be more concerned down the road a little bit if it got there, but for right now, I think they're OK."
Back on the field
Backup catcher Victor Caratini took on-field batting practice for the first time Sunday since he went on the injured list April 12. Caratini had surgery April 15 to repair a left-hamate fracture. The injury is expected to keep him out 4-6 weeks.
The Cubs have been using Taylor Davis as backup to Willson Contreras. Davis hit a grand slam Saturday for his first major-league home run.
"You saw it yesterday, not grand slam, but the receiving ability," Joe Maddon said. "He's a very good receiver. He's got a great hand. He reminds me a lot of (Jose) Molina, the way he receives. He's got that. Blocks the ball well. Good game caller. Great prep. He hasn't played very often, obviously, but he's always studying, and he's there to help everybody else.
"The defensive side is going to keep him n the game for a while because the hitting is going to get better. He just needs to cut down on some of the waggle. The defense will keep him playing for a bit, there's no question."
Rehab games
Reliever Xavier Cedeno was set to go to Class AAA Iowa Sunday to throw in back-to-back games as he rehabs from left-wrist inflammation. Cedeno has been on the IL since March 25.