Off Day Chatter as the Injuries Pile Up

First of all, sorry about the lack of blogging that has occurred throughout the month of May. I've had a very busy schedule and unfortunately this blog ends up getting shortchanged. I plan to slowly but surely return to more regular blogging. By the first or second week of June, we will be in full swing with everyday posting throughout the summer.

For now, let's take a look at the lengthy list of injuries that are plaguing the Cubs.

• Marlon Byrd was hit in the face in a scary moment during Saturday's Cubs/Red Sox games. He has been placed on the 15-day DL to recover. Reed Johnson will have to pick up the slack and receive regular playing time in centerfield. Tony Campana will see an increased role as the now fourth outfielder. Byrd's roster spot was filled by an extra pitcher, but the Cubs could decide to add a fifth outfielder this week. Lou Montanez was scratched from the Iowa Cubs game today and there is a rumor that he will be called up.



• Top centerfield prospect Brett Jackson is currently dealing with an injury of his own, so he is not an option.



• Geovany Soto has been sidelined with a groin injury. Soto is expected to come off the disabled list in the next week. In his absence, Koyie Hill has seen much of the playing time and continued to do very little at the plate while committing several errors in the field. Weligton Castillo received the nod behind the dish on Sunday and was charged with catcher's interference.



• Andrew Cashner suffered a major setback and is expected to be out most of the summer. He is shut down once against, pretty much starting over in his rehab process.



• Randy Wells is on the road to a return. He pitched in a rehab start for Iowa yesterday and everything went fine. He could return to the rotation as soon as next week. The Cubbies need him back as they their fourth and fifth starters have struggled.



• James Russell received another emergency start on Sunday as Matt Garza went down with the latest injury. Team physicians were to exam Garza's elbow today. The Cubs hope he will return for his next start.



• Jeff Baker was the latest to be bit by the injury bug when he strained his left groin during Sunday's game. There is no word on how severe his injury is.

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