Cliff Lee throws three-inning simulated game, could be ready for a minor league rehab start

By Drew SilvaJul 1, 2014, 6:22 PM EDT
4 Comments

From beat writer Todd Zolecki of MLB.com …

Cliff Lee continues to recover from his strained left elbow, taking another step forward today at Marlins Park.

He threw 60 pitches in a three-inning simulated game.

“We’re on pace,” Lee said.

The veteran southpaw is hoping that his next step is going to be a minor league rehab start. A decision on that will not be made until Lee is reevaluated by team doctors on Wednesday morning. “I’ve been feeling better every day,” he said Tuesday.

Lee had a 3.18 ERA and 61/9 K/BB ratio in 68 innings before injuring his left elbow in May. If he makes it back before the July 31 trade deadline and proves his health, he’ll be a big target for contending teams.

***********************

UPDATE, 6:25 p.m. ET: A followup from CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury …

Brandon Morrow shut down for the rest of the season

Getty Images
By Craig CalcaterraSep 18, 2018, 7:41 PM EDT
Leave a comment

Cubs closer Brandon Morrow has been out since the All-Star break with a bone bruise and biceps inflammation. In recent days there had been hope that he would be activated in the season’s final two weeks in order to be ready for the playoffs, but that’s not happening: Theo Epstein just said that Morrow is done for the season.

It’s not the first time good expectations for Morrow’s recovery were not met. When he was placed on the DL back in July manager Joe Maddon said he didn’t anticipate Morrow being on the DL for much more than the minimum 10 days. Two months later and here we are.

Morrow, 34, had an excellent season until the arm trouble started, saving 22 games with a 1.47 ERA and a 31/9 K/BB ratio in 30.2 innings. Once he went out the closer’s duties fell to Pedro Strop. Now Strop too is out for at least the rest of the regular season and likely more due to a hamstring strain he suffered last week while running the bases.

Bullpens become a lot more important in the postseason. The Cubs’ bullpen is becoming thinner.