Cubs rumors: Teams monitoring Matt Garza

Chicago Cubs right-handed starting pitcher Matt Garza is expected to become a coveted trade target once he proves himself healthy this summer, and Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe notes that he's "already on a few teams' wish lists."

Garza is expected to rejoin the Cubs' rotation by the middle of May, as he continues to recover from recurring problems with his left side. He suffered his injury -- which has been termed a mild lat sprain -- during spring training after he had recovered from a bout of elbow soreness.

Cubs add Gregg, Loe

Chicago has added some bullpen depth in the wake of early relief woes.

The Cubs acquired Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays prior to the 2012 season. He was extremely effective for the team in 2011, posting an ERA of 3.32 over 31 starts. He was then limited by injuries to 18 starts last season, and injuries are once again wreaking havoc. Prior to last year's shortened campaign, Garza had made at least 30 starts per season from 2008-11.

Chicago has indicated that it's willing to extend Garza -- who's in the final year of his current contract -- and continue to build their rotation around him. However, there are some that expect the Cubs to trade the 29-year-old in order to expedite their rebuilding effort.

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