The Cubs may wait until Friday to decide whether left-hander Cole Hamels will return to the starting rotation this weekend after he threw only 17 of 35 pitches for strikes during a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday night for Triple-A Iowa.
Hamels, who suffered a left oblique strain on June 30, allowed one hit in 2? innings at El Paso. Hamels didn’t allow a run, but he walked three and while striking out two. He was projected to throw about 40 pitches.
The Cubs haven’t named a starting pitcher for Sunday against the Brewers at Miller Park. Hamels is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday. The Cubs could either start Hamels on Sunday or schedule another rehab start for him with the possibility of a return the following weekend against the Brewers.
With Alec Mills optioned to Triple-A Iowa before Tuesday night’s game against the Giants, the Cubs are operating with a four-man rotation with days off Thursday and Monday.
