MILWAUKEE, Wis. (670 The Score) -- The banged-up Cubs could be close to getting reinforcement from a key player.
Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is progressing in his rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa, with manager David Ross receiving good reports on his health. Hoerner, who landed on the injured list on May 26 with a left hamstring strain, could rejoin Chicago for its upcoming series at Cincinnati, which begins Friday.
Hoerner, 24, is 2-for-5 at the plate in Triple-A this week. He was scheduled for a day off Wednesday and will play in Iowa's game Thursday, Ross said.
Hoerner was hitting .338 with an .837 OPS when he suffered his hamstring strain. He also spent time on the injured list in early May due to a left forearm strain.
In other health news, the Cubs on Wednesday placed catcher Jose Lobaton on the 60-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. He suffered the injury while running to first base on the final out of a 2-1 loss to the Brewers on Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the Cubs selected the contract of 27-year-old catcher Taylor Gushue from Triple-A Iowa.
The Cubs (42-38) conclude their three-game series against the Brewers on Wednesday, with first pitch coming at 1:10 p.m. CT from American Family Field in Milwaukee. The game can be heard on 670 The Score.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.