Matt Garza threw from 60 feet on Thursday and according to multiple reports all went well. Garza spoke with the media prior to throwing for the first time since February 17 and suggested he could begin the season on the disabled list.
Garza explained that Thursday’s throwing session on flat ground was the first step to getting back to where he was prior to straining his left lat. Garza added that the schedule that he is on is not to be ready for Opening Day or the first week of the season but when his body is ready. According to multiple reports, Garza is not going to rush himself back. Dale Sveum said it is too early to say Garza will not be ready to begin the year on the active roster.
Matt Garza is expected to throw again on Saturday according to the Sun-Times.
Matt Garza
Matt Garza told the media Thursday was the first step to start pitching again.
“If I try to rush and be ready April 1, I might be re-injured in June, and be out. If I take my time, maybe I’m pitching April 15 through October, maybe November.”
The good news is that his arm feels great. He missed the final 2 1/2 months of last season because of elbow problems.
Garza said his arm feels great.
“There’s no concern there – it’s just caution. I’m just going to take my time and be easy with it and make sure it’s nice and free flowing. if there’s any snag, then speak up. This is a time where a guy like me, I love being out there. I’ve got to swallow my pride and put the team first.”
Matt Garza completed six bullpen sessions prior to the live batting practice session on February 17.
Starlin Castro
Starlin Castro participated in the Cubs’ bunting tournament on Thursday, and is not expected to miss more than two or three days with left hamstring tightness. Castro played catch on Thursday under the watchful eyes of the Cubs’ trainers.
Dale Sveum said on Thursday that his All-Star shortstop is fine and “there’s no more tightness.”
Ian Stewart and Josh Vitters
Dale Sveum addressed the status of both of his injured infielders on Thursday. Sveum said that Vitters is ahead of Stewart in his recovery from a strained left quad. Vitters could begin hitting within a week. Vitters was ticketed for Triple-A Iowa before Spring Training began, so his delay is not as big a deal as Stewart.
According to a report from the Sun-Times, Stewart is still “at least a week away from taking swings” which could mean that Stewart might not be able to play in a game for two more weeks. According to the Sun-Times, Sveum said, “If he gets on the field too late in Spring Training, it’s going to be difficult to get enough at-bats to evaluate, when everybody else is getting their at-bats and producing or whatever it might be.”
According to Bruce Levine, Stewart “has done little since suffering the injury on February 21.”
Rony Rodriguez
According to Baseball America, the Cubs signed 23-year old Rony Rodriguez to a minor league contract. Rodriguez played in independent ball last season. Baseball America reported Rodriguez as being a catcher, but according to Baseball-Reference, Rodriguez played right field, left field and first base last season.
In 46 games last year, Rodriguez put together a .233/.323/.438 line with a .762 OPS that included 10 doubles, a triple and six home runs.
Rony Rodriguez’s Page on Baseball-Reference
Spring Training News Bits
Jon Heyman spent a few days at HoHoKam Park last week, and he thinks things are looking up for the Cubs, but it’s too early for a timetable.
Jon Heyman also found things he liked and did not like at Cubs camp.
According to Comcast SportsNet, expectation is Carlos Marmol will not have to leave camp for the legal matter in the Dominican Republic.
Welington Castillo is ready to make the most of his opportunity.
According to the Tribune, Dale Sveum is bracing for more in-season roster change if the Cubs are not in contention.
Edwin Jackson, Casey Coleman, Starlin Castro and David DeJesus advanced to the next round in the Cubs bunting tournament on Thursday.