Marisnick would likely need to go on a rehab assignment before his return while Heyward’s time on the IL may be brief.
ST. LOUIS – Outfielders Jake Marisnick and Jason Heyward are trending in the right direction in their efforts to return from the 10-day injured list. While it remains to be seen when they’ll return, both have begun to increase their baseball activities.
Marisnick has been on the IL with a right hamstring strain since May 11 and is currently building up in his progression. The Cubs’ center fielder had a more moderate strain, requiring a little more time on the shelf.
Heyward, who went on the IL on Thursday with a left hamstring strain, has started doing light agility work with the training staff and may be back sooner rather than later if things continue to progress positively.
While Heyward might not need a rehab assignment before returning, he did think Marisnick could use a few at-bats before returning.
“I don’t think anytime immediate,” Ross said. “I talked to J-Hey, he said it went well today. Talked to the trainers, they said it went well today. They’ll continue to progress in that kind of rehab mode and then. … Maybe 10 days isn’t a huge stretch to get your timing and all that. But if it extends days past that you’re going to.
“Right now, Marisnick for sure at some point will probably need to take some kind of rehab assignment. J-Hey depending on if this thing continues to bounce back very fast, we may just activate him when he’s ready. So I’ll talk to him about that and trainers, but I don’t want to put any [definitive] timelines on those guys.”
Right-hander Alec Mills will make a rehab start for Class AAA Iowa on Sunday as he returns from a lower back strain that has kept him out since April 30. Right-hander Trevor Megill (right forearm strain) will throw a live BP in Iowa.
Adam undergoes left ankle surgery
Cubs right-hander Jason Adam underwent successful surgery to repair a compound left-ankle dislocation on Friday. Adam was fielding fly balls during batting practice for Class AAA Iowa when the accident occurred and an ambulance had to be called to tend to the reliever.
With the severity of the injury, Adam’s season is likely over and there’s no timetable for his return to baseball activities. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 2-1 with a 5.06 ERA in 22 games since signing before the 2020 season.
“Pretty intense,” Ross said. “Our thoughts and prayers go to him and hopefully a speedy recovery. I texted him and he said it’s all gonna work out. He’s in good spirits, but we’re definitely thinking about him. That was some terrible news to receive yesterday.
“The story I heard was that he jumped for a ball and came down funny on his ankle during batting practice.”
