President of baseball operations Theo Epstein said Monday that Barnette (shoulder) is close to beginning a rehab assignment, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnette had already resumed mound work at the conclusion of spring training, so he's presumably advanced to facing hitters in live batting practice at this stage of his recovery. The Cubs should map out of a rehab assignment for the reliever in the coming days, with Barnette likely to require at least two appearances in the minors before returning from the 10-day injured list.

Barnette (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day IL, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He recently threw 20 pitches off a mound, but will need at least a couple more weeks before he is ready to join the big-league bullpen.

Barnette (shoulder) threw 20 pitches off a mound Thursday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The bullpen session was Barnette's first since March 3. He's been ruled out for Opening Day but may not have a lengthy absence if his progress continues without setbacks.

Barnette (shoulder) could throw a bullpen later this week, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnette is still battling the shoulder sprain which ended his 2018 campaign prematurely. He's already been ruled out for Opening Day, but it's not yet clear when he's expected to return.

Barnette (shoulder) won't be back by Opening Day, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnette threw Saturday but doesn't have enough time to get up to speed by the start of the regular season. He'll compete for a bullpen role following an expected trip to the injured list.

Manager Joe Maddon said Friday that Barnette (shoulder) is a longshot to be available for Opening Day, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnette supposedly entered spring training with no restrictions after missing the end of last season with a right shoulder sprain, but apparently has had issue resurface. The 35-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Cubs in February and figures to be a middle-relief bullpen option when healthy.

Barnette (shoulder) will have no restrictions during spring training, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnette's 2018 campaign was cut short in July due to a shoulder sprain, but he's back to full health heading into spring. Prior to getting hurt, the veteran right-hander compiled a 2.39 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 26:5 K:BB across 26.1 innings for the Rangers. Barnette will likely fill a middle-relief role for his new club.

Barnette (shoulder) signed a one-year deal with a club option for a second season with the Cubs on Friday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnette will make $750,000 plus incentives in 2019 and $3 million the following year if his option is picked up. A shoulder sprain cut the 35-year-old's season short in early July last season, though he was pitching quite well in the first half of the year, recording a 2.39 ERA in 26.1 innings. He should be a capable middle-relief option in Chicago if he's able to fully bounce back.

Barnette (shoulder) will not return this season, Katie Woo of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barnette was placed on the disabled list July 4 after suffering a right shoulder sprain and began throwing in August with the intent to return some time in September. He finishes with a 2.36 ERA over 26.1 innings.

Barnette was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

After Barnette was placed on the 10-day DL on Wednesday, the Rangers revealed that the right-hander wouldn't begin a throwing program until at least early August while he recovered from the shoulder strain. Even if he hit no snags in his recovery over the next several weeks, it would have been difficult for Barnette to build up his arm enough to be available by the start of September, so the move to 60-day DL shouldn't dramatically impact his timeline. The transaction will open up a spot on the 40-man roster for Cody Gearrin, one of three players the Rangers acquired Sunday from the Giants.