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A few starting pitchers and position players recently started minor-league rehab assignments, an important step for their eventual return to the team. Let's take a look at the progress some of these players are making.
Cueto resumes rehab assignment
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto resumed his rehab assignment on Thursday, throwing 50 pitches over three innings in a Single-A game.
The Reds ace originally strained his lat muscle on April 13, and has not pitched for Cincinnati since then. Cueto had to put his rehab assingment on hold after suffering an oblique injury, but appears to be back on track. The right-hander is expected to throw eighty pitches in his next rehab start.
Heyward 'a little sore' after first rehab start
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward felt "a little sore" after his first rehab game, and is out the lineup on Friday. The outfielder is expected to play again on Saturday.
Heyward had to undergo emergency appendectomy surgery, and has been on the DL for almost three weeks. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez expects the outfielder to return to the team early next week, but his soreness may delay his return.
Walker ready to return
Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker made his first rehab start on Thursday, and will start for again Friday. Walker played all nine innings, and went 1-4 at the plate.
The second baseman hopes to return to the Pirates sometime this weekend for the Pirates series against the New York Mets, but the team has not heard an official plan from the team. Walker suffered a laceration on his hand, and needed six stitches to close the wound.
