It is pretty remarkable that the Chicago Cubs are 19-13 with all of the injuries they have had in the first month of the season. Three of the five pitchers that were scheduled to be in their starting rotation at the beginning of the season have missed multiple starts. They have also been without two of their middle-of-the-lineup bats due to injuries. Playing above .500 baseball with those injuries and their early season schedule says a lot about the potential this team has.

Well, the good news is that it appears that some of the injured players are close to returning. Both Justin Steele and Kyle Hendricks are back in Chicago this weekend for further evaluation. Steele made a rehab start for the Iowa Cubs on Wednesday. His next start will probably be at the beginning of next week for the Chicago Cubs. As for Hendricks, he had a successful rehab start in Tennessee this week as well.

Seiya Suzuki, who is recovering from an oblique injury, has progressed to batting practice on the field. He will still need some time, and probably a rehab stint before returning, but he is progressing pretty quickly. The same can be said for Cody Bellinger who is recovering from a rib injury after crashing into the wall at Wrigley Field. He is having a recovery day today, but his rehab is progressing well.

Jordan Wicks and Drew Smyly are further away, but both are playing catch. They will ramp up to mound work and rehab appearances from there.