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Cubs willing to be patient as Morrow deals with another injury

GLENDALE, Ariz. - At least it's not the elbow.

Brandon Morrow had surgeries on that critical part of his pitching (right) arm the past two years, and the second procedure sidelined the relief pitcher for the entire 2019 season.

Back in the Cubs' training camp on a minor-league contract this spring, Morrow is currently down with a strained chest muscle.

It is uncertain when the 35-year-old pitcher is going to be able to get back on the mound, but the Cubs are willing to wait.

"Anybody that's been through injuries and had stuff that's gone on ... it's tough," said pitching coach Tommy Hottovy. "He wants to be out there, no question. It's just a process of getting him back to feeling like himself. Part of that is there are going to be some bumps, there absolutely are."

Morrow signed a two-year, $21 million contract with the Cubs before the 2018 season and had a 1.47 ERA and 22 saves in 35 games at the time of the first elbow injury.

If he makes the Cubs' roster this year, Morrow will make $1 million.

"Getting Brandon Morrow at anytime, anywhere is beneficial for us, whether it's Opening Day or it's mid-June or it's September," Hottovy said. "Right now, the process is just getting him feeling comfortable and continue his progression."

Cubs lose to Dodgers:

After beating Oakland 12-2 in their first Cactus League game, the Cubs fell to Los Angeles 4-2 Sunday.

Catcher Victor Caratini (2-for-2) gave the Cubs the lead with a solo home run in the fourth inning. Center fielder Ian Miller added an RBI single in the eighth.

Still battling the flu, new manager David Ross missed his second straight game.

Eye on Rodriguez:

Added to the Cubs' 40-man roster in November, relief pitcher Manny Rodriguez looked good during the first week of full-squad workouts.

"I'm super impressed with him," pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. "Not only his stuff, you can kind of see that right away in (batting practice), just the way he carries himself."

Rodriguez made 35 relief appearances for high Class A Myrtle Beach last season and was 1-3 with a 3.45 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 47 innings.

The 23-year-old righty has also pitched in his native Mexico during Winter League ball. Rodriguez is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut for the Cubs Monday.

"I think you see a young guy playing in Myrtle Beach, but this guy's closed out games in Mexico in Winter League," Hottovy said. "He has a little bit more of a veteran presence. He's been around veteran pitchers. We're extremely impressed with him and how he's handled himself. He looks great so far."

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