Latest Updates For Rehabbing Cubs Pitchers Spells Doom For Brandon Morrow

Theo Epstein and the rest of the front office knew the risk when signing Brandon Morrow to a guaranteed two-year contract and that risk has reared its ugly head. Morrow has been out since last July and after having surgery to clean up debris in his right elbow in November, the Cubs closer still doesn’t have a timetable to return after his latest setback.

The right-hander was supposed to pitch against live hitters this past week, but Morrow felt some discomfort and the Cubs are now easing off.

Joe Maddon says the Cubs are going to "slow things down" with Brandon Morrow after the reliever felt discomfort from a recent side session. There is no timetable yet for Morrow's return to the Cubs bullpen.

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) April 20, 2019

Although it was known since the offseason that Morrow would not be ready for the start of the regular season, the Cubs targeted May for his return.

Now, the Cubs don’t know his timetable and in no way can they count on him at all this season.

#Cubs say Morrow threw a side session earlier this week and felt good pitching, but the recovery wasn't what it should be. This is similar to what he was experiencing last year. He will be shut down for a period & his timeline is unknown.

— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) April 20, 2019

The Cubs bullpen has stabilize since their terrible opening week to the season, but this latest news on Morrow is still a kick to the gut.

But hey, there is still some guy out there who’s available.

Maybe Tom Ricketts can find some spare change under his couch.

In other rehabbing news, Jon Lester threw a 45-pitch simulated game and Joe Maddon said the lefty could return as soon as next week.

Maddon: Lester threw 45 pitches (all pitches), “It’s pretty amazing where he’s at already.” The manager said “it’s not impossible” for Lester to return next week.

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) April 20, 2019

The Cubs will evaluate Lester again tomorrow and there’s a chance he could be back against the Dodgers.

Meanwhile, right-handed reliever Tony Barnette will begin his rehab assignment in Triple-A on Sunday and Xavier Cedeño will throw for the second time at Double-A on Saturday.

While Brandon Morrow recovers from offseason elbow surgery, the Cubs are expecting more reinforcements. Tony Barnette is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment tomorrow with Triple-A Iowa while Xavier Cedeño is expected to throw tonight for Double-A Tennessee.

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) April 20, 2019

So, mostly good news and then the whole Brandon Morrow thing.