Just as the Cubs got one infielder back from the injured list, they lost another.
First baseman Frank Schwindel returned from the 10-day IL on Thursday before the Cubs’ 8-0 loss to the Mets after nearly four weeks out with a strained lower back. In turn, middle infielder Andrelton Simmons landed on the 10-day IL with a strained right shoulder.
“To reintegrate [Schwindel] right before the [All-Star] break made a lot of sense for us,” manager David Ross said. “And he feels 100%, was able to play multiple games and get plenty of at-bats [in his rehab assignment].”
Schwindel was available off the bench against the Mets on Thursday after playing the last two days in Triple-A Iowa. He logged two hits over his five rehab games.
“Swing feels good,” he said. “I thought I put together some good at-bats down there. I’m ready to get back in there. I’m excited.”
Simmons started the season on the IL with inflammation in his right shoulder that limited him in spring training. Ross said he reaggravated the shoulder turning a double play Sunday in Los Angeles. The Cubs backdated the IL move to Monday.
“I think he was trying to make up some time there,” Ross said of the fateful play, which shortstop Nico Hoerner started on a chopper in the hole. “And it was the first time probably in a while he’s had to really let it eat. That’s where he felt it.”
Ross gets the hook
Third-base umpire John Tumpane ejected Ross in the fourth inning for arguing for a balk call on Mets starter Carlos Carrasco (10-4).
“We just had a disagreement on what a set is and what his set was,” Ross said. “I thought it was very random. And he disagreed. I probably let my emotions get the best of me.”
It was Ross’ eighth career ejection.
Madrigal’s next steps
The latest chapter in second baseman Nick Madrigal’s injury-filled season has been a minor setback on his way back from a strained groin.
“It’s definitely been a challenge,” Madrigal said. “It’s been frustrating at times. It’s been a lot of different emotions, but I’m staying positive. A lot of games left. I’m excited to get back out there and stay the course.”
After leaving a rehab game Sunday with tightness in his groin, Madrigal has been working out in Chicago. He’s scheduled to head to Arizona for a couple of days during the break next week.
“The biggest thing during the All-Star break was they didn’t want me shutting down,” he said. “They wanted me to keep ramping up so I’m able to get back with the team sooner.”
He added he’ll likely need a couple more rehab games before coming off the 10-day IL.
“In the past, I’ve played through those kinds of things, and it’s turned into a huge problem,” he said.
Cubs stork has been busy
Two days after left-hander Justin Steele and his fiancee welcomed their first child, veteran southpaw Drew Smyly and his wife welcomed their third. Summer Smyly arrived Wednesday night. Smyly’s advice to Steele: “They grow fast. Soak it in.”
