Alzolay is slated to start Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Athletics, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs have said Alzolay is exclusively being viewed as a reliever this spring, but he's set to start his first Cactus League contest Wednesday. The righty likely won't work too deep into the game, though, and the outing may resemble a multi-inning relief appearance, which could be Alzolay's typical usage this year. Alzolay made only six appearances last season due to a lat strain, all of which came out of the bullpen, but he did start 21 games back in 2021.

Azolay is exclusively seen as a reliever this spring, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Injuries wiped out most of Alzolay's 2022 campaign, limiting him to just 13.1 innings of relief. He looked great in that small sample, posting a 3.38 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 19:2 K:BB. It's possible he's considered for a starting job later in the season, but his more likely path to fantasy relevance could be by moving to the back end of an unproven bullpen, though he also has just one major-league save to his name.

Alzolay (2-1) pitched 2.1 scoreless innings of relief and earned the win Wednesday against the Reds. He allowed two hits and a walk, while striking out three.

EDGE Analysis

Starter Adrian Sampson departer after 2.2 innings due to right groin soreness, which forced Alzolay into the game early. The latter pitched well and picked up the win in Chicago's season-ending romp. Alzolay didn't debut until mid-September due to a lat strain, and he finished with a 3.38 ERA across 13.2 innings. The 27-year-old should be in the mix for a rotation spot to begin 2023 if he can remain healthy through the offseason and spring training.

Alzolay (0-1) allowed two runs on two hits and a walk across two innings of relief to take the loss Saturday against the Rockies. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay had been out all season due to a lat strain, but he made his return Saturday in a relief appearance. The righty logged 41 pitches and impressed with the five strikeouts, though he also exhibited a little rust and allowed a couple of runs, which isn't surprising given the long layoff. It's been a lost year for Alzolay, but he figures to make a couple more relief appearances down the stretch before likely competing for a rotation spot in 2023 if he's fully healthy.

Alzolay (lat) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Saturday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay has been sidelined since the start of the season due to a lat strain but has spent the last month in the minors on a rehab assignment. The right-hander will pitch out of the Cubs' bullpen now that he's back to full health.

Alzolay (lat) is expected to be reinstated from the 60-day injured list this weekend, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay has been on the injured list all season due to a lat strain, but he began a rehab assignment Aug. 22. Over minor-league outings, he's posted a 5.84 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 12.1 innings. The 27-year-old hasn't tossed more than three innings in any of those appearances and will pitch out of the Cubs' bullpen once he's officially activated.

Alzolay (lat) struck out six and allowed one earned run on one hit and two walks over two innings in his rehab start Saturday with Triple-A Iowa.

EDGE Analysis

Considering he needed 50 pitches to retire six batters, the 27-year-old wasn't especially efficient Saturday, but the nine swinging strikes he generated on the day were an encouraging sight. Alzolay, who has been on the injured list all season while recovering from a lat strain, will likely need to complete one or two more rehab starts before the Cubs activate him.

Alzolay (lat) started a rehab assignment with the Arizona Complex League Cubs on Monday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay opened the 2022 campaign on the injured list due to a strained right lat, but he's been ramping up his activity of late. He'll likely need to prove his health in at least a few rehab outings before having a chance to be activated from the 60-day IL.

Alzolay (lat) is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session Thursday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Facing hitters in a controlled setting marks the final step in Alzolay's prolonged recovery program from a right lat strain before he's ready to head out on what's expected to be an extended minor-league rehab assignment. Since he's been on the shelf since spring training with the injury, Alzolay may not have sufficient time to build up to a starter's workload in 2022, but if he avoids any further setbacks, he'll at least be able to return from the 60-day injured list as a multi-inning relief option before season's end.

Alzolay (lat) is expected to throw live batting practice in around a week, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay has been throwing bullpen sessions for around the last week at the Cubs' extended spring training facility. He's nearing the next stage in his recovery but will need a few rehab assignments before being activated from the injured list. If things stay on track, Alzolay could return to make a few starts prior to the close of the regular season.