Hoerner, Steele show progress with hamstring injuries
The Cubs are getting closer to having some key players back from injuries.
Second baseman Nico Hoerner continued to make progress from a hamstring strain and manager David Ross said Hoerner could head out on a rehab assignment in a week or 10 days.
Left-handed reliever Justin Steele (hamstring) threw a bullpen session off the mound at Wrigley Field on Sunday morning, so he might also be ready for a rehab assignment soon.
Hoerner went on the injured list May 26, Steele on May 21. Infielder Matt Duffy (back), out since May 25, is slowly building up his activity.
"We just have a lot of guys that are down. That's just part of this season," Ross told reporters before Sunday's game. "It feels like injuries have piled up on us. And there are going to be times when it shows. Right now that's showing up in a lot of different areas for us."
Before Sunday's game, the Cubs recalled left-handed reliever Kyle Ryan from Iowa. Cory Abbott, after throwing 3 innings of relief Saturday, was sent back to Iowa.
Pitcher Robert Stock, after starting against the Mets on Wednesday, was designated for assignment to create room on the 40-man roster. He'll likely stay with Iowa if he clears waivers.
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls