Nico Hoerner (left hamstring) takes BP in Cincy, likely activated on SundayRussell Dorseyon July 3, 2021 at 10:57 pm

CINCINNATI – It looks like Nico Hoerner has completed his rehab assignment and is on the verge of rejoining the team. Hoerner, 24, was in Cincinnati on Saturday and took batting practice before the game. The Cubs’ second baseman had a scheduled day off after playing back-to-back nights.

Hoerner, who’s been out since May 26 with a left hamstring strain is expected to be activated before Sunday’s game. The Cubs’ second baseman has a .338/.405/.432 slash line in 21 games.

“Just getting back and checking in with the trainers and see how he feels,” Ross said. “He played back-to-back [games]. Talked to him a little bit and [he] thinks everything went well. I think he scored from first on a double the other day which is nice, tested that out. Said it feels pretty good. He’ll run through some drills today and run through the trainer’s and hopefully be ready tomorrow, Monday at the latest.”

Like Hoerner, right-hander Trevor Williams is also working his way back to Chicago after undergoing an appendectomy early last month. Williams made his second rehab start on Friday, going five innings and allowing one run on three hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

“The numbers were good,” Ross said. “I watched most of it this morning. Looked like a little bit of traffic at times. Some good sliders in there, some good breaking pitches and the changeup looked okay. Some arm-side run misses. [Didn’t quite have] the fastball command I don’t think early on. Pretty good outing, I thought.

“It’s a lot of options. Right now, I’d like to continue to give him another start and really get him stretched out. I didn’t think I would say he was locked in, in his last start. But that being said, like a pitcher of his caliber is always welcomed.

He said it

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo on Cubs recent stretch: “We’re on a skid and it’s not fun and losing sucks. We just have to come in tomorrow and be ready to play. From now until the trade deadline. You guys are going to ask questions every single day and rightfully so, because there are going to be rumors flying and stories written. But I think it’s on all of us in the clubhouse to just stay connected, stay together and take it day-by-day. Every cliche in baseball for these next 30 days, or whatever it is.”

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