Chicago Cubs Left-Hander Drew Smyly Expected to Pitch for South Bend Cubs on Rehab Assignment Monday

July 3, 2022 – Midwest League (MWL) – South Bend Cubs News Release

South Bend, IN – As reported my multiple media outlets in Chicago, Cubs left-hander pitcher Drew Smyly is expected to make a rehabilitation assignment start with the South Bend Cubs on Monday as the team plays on Independence Day at 7:05 PM versus the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Smyly was placed on the injured list with an oblique injury, and last pitched in the Major Leagues on May 30 against Milwaukee where he fired three shutout innings at Wrigley Field. The 33-year-old Smyly returned to the Cubs in 2022 after being with the organization in 2018, but never pitching a game with Chicago.

This will not be the first time, however, that Smyly is going to throw a rehab outing in South Bend. In late 2018, as the Cubs were trying to see if Smyly could return from Tommy John Surgery to end that season, the club sent the southpaw to the South Bend Cubs for a rehab start. The game was set on August 30, 2018, as South Bend hosted Bowling Green.

Smyly threw one inning and needed only 13 pitches to strike out the side as he put a zero on the scoreboard. One of the strikeouts was against Taylor Walls, who is now in the MLB with the Tampa Bay Rays.

It is not yet determined how long Smyly’s second start with the South Bend Cubs will be. According to CBS Sports, Smyly may need multiple Minor League rehab outings before joining the Cubs again in Chicago.

This will be the first Chicago Cubs rehab appearance in South Bend this season. Last year, both right-handed pitcher Rowan Wick, and shortstop Nico Hoerner played at Four Winds Field in rehab games. Smyly’s outing on Monday would be the 14th total Major League rehab assignment since the club became a Cubs affiliate.

Monday’s Independence Day celebration will be the start of a six-game series versus Wisconsin this week. Tuesday is an off day for both teams, and the action will pick up again on Wednesday night at 7:05 PM. Tickets are available at SouthBendCubs.com.

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