Injury Updates, LeMahieu Signs, Fuld Optioned, and More

Dempster Update
Ryan Dempster threw a bullpen session Saturday. Lou Piniella said the workout went, "OK." Dempster could return to the rotation the last week of July or the first week of August.

Soto Update
Geovany Soto is also expected back around the first week of August. He is still rehabbing in Mesa, AZ.

Lilly is Fine
Ted Lilly start was moved back to Monday, and he is going to be fine to pitch then. Lou said that he could have pitch last night if he had to, but another the decision to give him an extra 48 hours was a good one.

Soriano Back in the Lineup
Alfonso Soriano, who's missed 1 game with a jammed finger, was back in the lineup last night, and he went deep to lift the Cubs to a 6-5 with over the Nats. The Cubbies have a chance to sweep all 4 today.

Aaron Miles rehabbing
Cubs second baseman Aaron Miles is rehabbing at AAA Iowa from an elbow injury. Miles has p-layed 2B and 3B, hitting mostly lead off during the rehab. He went 1-3 yesterday and is hitting just .227 in games at AAA this season. Miles is on the chopping block and could be traded, released, or DFA instead of coming back to Chicago.

Cubs Sign LeMahieu
DJ Lemahieu, Cubs second round selection from LSU, has signed with the team and will head to Mesa to join the Rookie-League Mesa Cubs. He is an infielder who showed his talent in the CWS.

Sasaki joins Cubs coaching staff
The Cubs will add a new coach to their staff on Monday in Philadelphia. Kyosuke Sasaki was Kosuke Fukudome's hitting coach in Japan and worked with him this off season. Sasaki will be in uniform to observe and work with Kosuke all he wants.

Fuld Optioned to AAA
Kevin Hart, today's starting pitcher, was sent to the minors after his last start to get an extra tune-up during the All Star Break. Hart did so in Peoria, and the Cubs called up Stevens as an extra arm in the bullpen for the Cardinals series. The Cubs are now going back to 12 pitchers, keeping Stevens in the bullpen, calling Hart back up to be in the rotation, and sending outfielder Sam Fuld back to AAA according to the Sun-Times.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted!