Duffy, Bote taking steps toward returns to Cubs originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
As the Cubs kick off their post-All-Star break schedule Friday, a pair of sidelined infielders continue to progress in their recoveries.
David Bote is starting a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa this weekend, following Matt Duffy, who began his rehab assignment with Iowa earlier this week.
Bote and Duffy have been sidelined since late May. Bote hit the 10-day IL on May 30 with a dislocated left shoulder, five days after Duffy (low back strain). The Cubs later transferred Duffy to the 60-day IL at the end of June.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.
Duffy went 1-for-4 in Iowa's game Thursday, playing six innings in the field. He got a pair of at-bats on Tuesday.
"We’re just trying to build him up the right way," Cubs manager David Ross said of Duffy. "All signs have been pointing to good feedback and he feels great."
Cubs activate Eric Sogard
As Bote and Duffy continue to build up, the Cubs activated fellow infielder Eric Sogard off the IL prior to Friday's game in Arizona.
Sogard, 35, spent the minimum time on the 10-day IL, which he landed on last Tuesday due to a bruised left thumb.
With Thursday's trade of Joc Pederson, the Cubs had an open spot on the active roster, so no corresponding move came with Sogard's return.