MESA, Ariz. – Cubs right-hander Javier Assad said he’s never experienced an injury like this strained left oblique.
“It’s uncomfortable,” he said Saturday through team interpreter Fredy Quevedo Jr. “But hopefully as time goes by I feel better and I’m able to come back from it.”
Assad has yet to resume throwing, waiting for that discomfort to subside. But manager Craig Counsell said catch play is “in sight” for Assad.
“Taking it day by day,” Assad said. “But so far, I feel better. There’s not exactly a timeline, but things have been feeling good with the program we’re going through.”
It’s still a mystery to Assad how or why his oblique started hurting. With the Tokyo Series accelerating pitchers’ offseason plans, but he doesn’t think that contributed. He started his throwing program early, but he said he was “feeling great.”
He got to Arizona a couple weeks ago. And a few days in, he threw a bullpen at the Cubs’ spring training complex.
“Felt great,” he said. “Everything went well. But it wasn’t until I was home later at night that I just started feeling something. I really don’t know when or how it exactly happened … It really came out of nowhere. Was not expecting it. But sometimes those things happen.”
Sandberg in camp
Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg missed spring training last year as he underwent treatment for prostate cancer. He was back this week, even after announcing in December that his cancer had returned and he was resuming intensive treatment.
“Like I told the players, people like Ryno, and Hall of Famers, they make an impact like when they step in the room,” Counsell said. “And that’s what Rhino has done for us already. … The two days he’s been here, he’s made an impact. And we’re thankful for that.”
Sandberg joined his former teammate Rick Sutcliff and fellow Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins in camp on Friday for the first day of full-squad workouts. On Saturday the contingent of Cubs legends grew, adding Shawon Dunston and Mark Grace, who also played with Sandberg.
“Today was really fun just having a chance to talk to those guys and hear their stories,” Counsell said. “They played together for a long time, and they’re such great characters and great humans. … You remember the lessons learned, and then they were able to give them to you in a funny way.”
Shaw progressing
Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw (left oblique) mixed in at third base for the beginning of infield practice Saturday. Then he pulled himself out and watched from up the third baseline.
He still isn’t a full camp participant, but he increased activities Saturday.
“We’re going to be cautious,” Counsell said. “We’re getting a number of good days back-to-back right now. Every day he has a good day, the next day, we’ll increase activity a little bit.”
Birdsell update
Cubs prospect Brandon Birdsell was diagnosed with a Grade 1 lat strain, Councell said Saturday. The Cubs plan to shut down the non-roster invitee from throwing for three to four weeks from the time of his MRI earlier this week.