Cole Hamels experienced an oblique strain in 2017, that derailed his season and had him out of whack until the Cubs traded for him in 2018. The veteran lefty has been on the injured list since leaving after one inning against the Reds on June 28, but his prior experience seems to be paying off this time around.
Hamels missed two months with an oblique strain two years ago, so he new exactly when to shut it down when he felt similar pain in Cincinnati. Now, after a 24-pitch bullpen session at Wrigley Field, Hamels is getting closer to returning to the rotation.
The Cubs plan for now is to have Hamels throw another bullpen session on Saturday and after that either a simulated game or a rehab assignment in the minors.
So, Hamels is progressing along nicely and he could realistically only miss one month with the oblique strain.
As for his spot in the rotation, the Cubs have some off days in the next few weeks that could let them go with a four-man rotation.
Yet, Joe Maddon hinted at Alec Mills getting another spot start.
After giving up three runs with two outs in the first inning Tuesday night, Mills settled in and had a quality start against the Reds, as the Cubs eventually won in 10 innings thanks to Kyle Schwarber's walk-off homer.
The Cubs have Thursday off before starting a weekend series against the Padres. For now, Mills is penciled in to start against the Giants in San Francisco next Monday.
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