Cubs’ Edward Cabrera, Matt Shaw get injury updates before Royals clash

The Chicago Cubs received updates on two injured players Friday before opening a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, with Edward Cabrera nearing a potential return and Matt Shaw still facing a longer recovery.

Cabrera, who is on the 15-day injured list with a hamstring issue, has made two Minor League rehab starts. His next outing is scheduled for Tuesday with Double-A Knoxville because Triple-A Iowa is set to participate in the MiLB Field of Dreams Game that day.

The right-hander pitched four innings and threw 55 pitches for Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday. He recorded eight strikeouts, allowed one hit and one unearned run, issued no walks, and generated 11 swinging strikes. His fastball velocity sat around 97 mph and reached 99 mph. If his upcoming rehab appearance goes well, Cabrera could be considered ready to return to Chicago’s rotation.

The 28-year-old began the season with a 3.27 ERA across his first seven starts before compiling a 7.55 ERA over his next seven appearances. He previously missed time because of a blister before suffering a left hamstring/adductor strain in late June.

Meanwhile, manager Craig Counsell said Shaw remains weeks away from returning from his left hand/wrist injury. The main challenge is regaining full speed and strength with his swing, and his recovery has taken longer than initially anticipated. Shaw is batting .246 with four home runs, 20 RBIs and a .737 OPS this season.

The Cubs entered Friday’s matchup at 67-49 overall and 32-25 on the road, having gone 7-3 over their last 10 games with a 2.32 ERA.

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