Cubs manager David Ross said Tuesday that Alzolay (hamstring) will serve as a reliever once he's reinstated from the 10-day injured list, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. "Try to control his innings out of the pen, unless something changes in our rotation," Ross said of his plans for Alzolay for the rest of the season.

EDGE Analysis

Before a left hamstring strain sent him to the IL on Aug. 14, Alzolay had already tallied 106.1 innings on the season, an increase of 85 innings from his 2020 total. With little at stake for the non-contending Cubs over the final month of the season, limiting the 26-year-old's workload makes sense. Even though he faded in his six starts out of the All-Star break with a 6.52 ERA and 1.52 WHIP, Alzolay's solid first-half numbers (4.66 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 9.4 K/9) are probably enough to keep his spot in the rotation fairly secure heading into 2022.

Alzolay (hamstring) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay made his first rehab appearance at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday and allowed four runs on three hits and a walk while striking out three in two innings. The Cubs are expected to determine the next steps in the right-hander's recovery based on how he performs during Friday's throwing session.

Alzolay (hamstring) is scheduled to make a rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay is set to throw about three innings in his first rehab outing, and he'll be evaluated afterward to make sure there's no soreness in his hamstring. The right-hander has been on the shelf since Aug. 14 with a hamstring strain, and he'll likely need at least one more rehab a start after Wednesday before potentially rejoining the big-league rotation.

Alzolay (hamstring) could make a rehab appearance for Triple-A Iowa this week, though the Cubs have yet to fully decide on their plans for him, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay is eligible to return from the 10-day injured list, but it looks as though he's not quite ready to do so. He resumed playing catch two days after landing on the injured list and advanced to agility work the following day and a bullpen session the day after that, so it doesn't seem as though his hamstring strain is a serious one, but the rebuilding Cubs have little reason not to be cautious given their place in the standings.

Alzolay (hamstring) threw another successful bullpen session Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay has been out for a week while dealing with a strained left hamstring, but the issue appears to be a minor one. He played catch just two days after landing on the injured list and quickly advanced to agility work. He's now thrown multiple bullpen sessions. A return Monday against the Rockies after a minimum-length absence appears to be in play.

Alzolay (hamstring) threw a light bullpen session Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay has continued to participate in light activities since he landed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain Saturday, and he was able to slightly increase his throwing intensity by playing long toss and doing some mound work Wednesday. Right-hander Adrian Sampson will take his place in the rotation Wednesday against the Reds, but manager David Ross is hopeful that Alzolay will be able to return after a minimum stay on the injured list.

Alzolay (hamstring) did some light jogging and agility work Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay hit the injured list with a strained left hamstring Saturday, but he's already making encouraging progress. He played catch Monday and now tested his hamstring more directly Tuesday. Whether or not he'll return after the minimum 10 days remains to be seen.

Alzolay (hamstring) played catch Monday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay exited his previous start Friday against the Marlins with a left hamstring strain. His expected return date remains unclear, but the fact that he's throwing again in some capacity just three days later certainly appears to be a good sign.

The Cubs placed Alzolay on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a left hamstring strain, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The strain is considered minor, but it shortened his poor outing Friday, when he allowed six runs on five hits and a walk in 1.1 innings. It's unclear how many starts Alzolay will miss while his hamstring recovers. Trevor Megill was recalled from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move Saturday.

Alzolay has been diagnosed with left hamstring tightness after he was removed from Friday's start against the Marlins, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay exited Friday's contest with a trainer in the bottom of the second inning, but it's not yet clear whether the hamstring issue will force him to miss additional time. If the right-hander is able to make his next turn through the rotation, he tentatively lines up to start on the road against Cincinnati on Wednesday.