Ian Stewart (quad) is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon. Stewart has been playing in extended spring training games, most recently hitting a couple doubles on Thursday while playing four innings. He should be able to rejoin the Cubs' lineup before the end of the month.

Ian Stewart (quad) was the designated hitter in an extended spring training game on Saturday. It was his first bit of game action since March 14. Stewart is expected to begin playing the field in the next few days and should be activated from the DL before the end of the month as long as he doesn't have any setbacks. "You're looking at two weeks to three weeks," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said.

Cubs placed 3B Ian Stewart on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left quad. Stewart remains at least a week away from playing in games again. He'll stay in extended spring training to rehab while Luis Valbuena handles third base.

Ian Stewart (quad) is at least two weeks away from a rehab assignment. It's sounding like he'll likely miss most, if not all, of April. The Cubs will go with Luis Valbuena at third base until Stewart is ready.

Ian Stewart (quad) has been ruled out for Opening Day. Stewart recently underwent an MRI, which showed fluid in his left quad. The Cubs could save $1.5 million of Stewart's $2 million contract if they cut him before Opening Day, but they'll likely keep him around and place him on the disabled list. Luis Valbuena is poised to open the season as the starting third baseman, but he's not worth owning in most fantasy leagues.

Ian Stewart is still awaiting MRI results on his ailing left quad. Stewart hasn't played since a minor league game last Thursday and the pain has yet to subside. "I just tried to run, and can't run, can't get through the running part," said Stewart. "That's really the last hurdle. I can hit, take grounders, I just can't run." Regardless of the results, Luis Valbuena appears likely to open the season as the Cubs' starting third baseman.

Ian Stewart will undergo another MRI Monday on his ailing left quad. Stewart returned to game action recently, but he evidently had a setback. Even if the MRI doesn't reveal anything terribly serious, Stewart is now a big longshot to be ready for Opening Day. With Josh Vitters optioned Sunday, it's looking like Luis Valbuena will be the Cubs' Opening Day third baseman.

Ian Stewart (quad) said he's confident he has enough time left in camp to be ready for the start of the season. Stewart appeared in a minor league game for the first time in three weeks Thursday, and is close to being cleared for Cactus League games. If he can avoid setbacks, Stewart has a chance to be ready by Opening Day. The Cubs are expecting him to begin the season on the disabled list.

Ian Stewart (quad) is a little sore after appearing in a minor league game Thursday but is slated to play in another one this weekend. It's possible he'll move to Cactus League games after that. Stewart needs to kick it into high gear if he wants to be ready by Opening Day. If he's not ready, he's expected to begin the season on the DL rather than get released.

Ian Stewart (quad) is scheduled to play in a minor league game on Thursday afternoon in Cubs camp. It will be his first live game since he injured a quadriceps muscle on February 21. He is expected to be unavailable for the start of the season, but Stewart could be back by mid-April if he avoids further setbacks.