Great News On The Injury Front For Hamels And Contreras

Cole Hamels had another bullpen session Saturday at Wrigley Field and on Monday the Cubs announced that the left-hander will have a rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa. Hamels will pitch Tuesday.

Hamels, who's been out since late June because of an oblique strain, could possibly return as early as Sunday, when the Cubs have their series finale against the Brewers in Milwaukee.

However, even if Hamels does return to the rotation on Sunday, he might have to be eased back in. He last pitched on June 28, in Cincinnati and he's only expected to throw about 40 pitches with the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday.

So, that's something to keep an eye on Tuesday night.

The other good news on the injury front is that Willson Contreras appears to be ready to return from the injured list on Wednesday, in time to catch Jon Lester.

Contreras went on the injured list with a sprained foot, but from the beginning it didn't seem to be a big problem and that has remained the same.

Contreras is with the team in San Francisco.

He last played on July 13 against the Pirates.

So, the Cubs are getting really close to being back at 100%. Of course, the trade deadline is also approaching and the front office has a few players on its radar.

Maybe we'll see a change or two in the next week. But getting back Contreras and Hamels will be equally as important.