MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- After previously being expected to pitching in the season-opening series at Texas, Cubs right-hander Yu Darvish may get pushed back in the rotation as he deals with a blister on the ring finger of his throwing hand.
Darvish suffered the injury in an outing Tuesday, leaving after 4 2/3 innings. He threw a side session with a Band-Aid on the finger Friday under the watchful eye of the team's training and medical staff. Darvish is scheduled to pitch in either a simulated game or Cactus League contest Sunday.
With two early days off, the Cubs don't need a fifth starter until April 7.
Strop progressing from hamstring injury
Reliever Pedro Strop is progressing well from a slight hamstring strain that he suffered on March 9. Strop threw a bullpen session Friday and is slotted to pitch against the Red Sox on Monday. Strop expects to be ready for the season opener at Texas next Thursday, but even with closer Brandon Morrow (elbow) still sidelined, Cubs brass won't force the issue with Strop.
Almora finding a rhythm
Outfielder Albert Almora Jr. is trying to prove to manager Joe Maddon that he can hit all types of pitching, notably right-handers. He's off to a good start in that quest, hitting .357 with three homers and striking out just twice in 42 at-bats entering play Friday.
Fellow outfielder Kyle Schwarber has also been hot, hitting .364 and driving the ball to all fields amid consistently good at-bats.
Happ struggling
Switch-hitting infielder/outfielder Ian Happ has had a subpar spring, hitting .143 with a .412 OPS in 49 at-bats. Happ hasn't made contact well from the right side.
"His right-handed swing has greatly improved," manager Joe Maddon said. "Left-handed, it looks a lot of the same. He needs to get a little more contact. Second base, he has done a nice job at. The outfield play looks like the same. So the biggest improvement would be his right-handed swing with a better approach.
"I would like to see him attack the ball down from the left side more often. He is very conscientious. He is making strides in hitting the ball in the upper part of the strike zone."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
