Steve Clevenger (oblique) is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment next week. The assignment is expected to last only a week or less. Clevenger could return to the Cubs when they return from a two-series road trip next Monday. The Cubs' catching situation is a mess right now. Geovany Soto was placed on the disabled list Saturday and his backup, Wellington Castillo, is expected to miss a week with a sprained MCL. The Cubs promoted Blake Lalli Friday and dealt for Koyie Hill on Saturday. Hill is expected to get most of the playing time at catcher over the next week. When Clevenger is activated, Lalli will likely be sent back to the minors.

Steve Clevenger (oblique) took 15 swings off a batting tee and 15 swings on the side Wednesday. It was his first swing-based workout since being placed on the disabled list April 26 with a right oblique strain. Clevenger should be ready before the end of May.

Cubs placed C Steve Clevenger on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 26, with a right oblique strain. Clevenger had been off to a great start to the season as the Cubs backup catcher, hitting .500 (11-for-22) with five doubles and two RBI. Welington Castillo has been recalled to replace him on the active roster.

The Cubs will place Steve Clevenger on the 15-day disabled list with a side injury. It's not thought to be serious but the Cubs don't want to take any chances. Clevenger will be replaced by Welington Castillo on the active roster. Castillo had a .320/.435/.520 batting line in 62 plate appearances for Triple-A Iowa.

Steve Clevenger has won the Cubs' backup catcher job. It's a minor upset, as Welington Castillo was considered the favorite to backup Geovany Soto entering camp. Clevenger, who turns 26 in April, is batting .333 (12-for-36) with two homers, three doubles and five RBI so far this spring.