>>Cubs Starting To Get Healthy
Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler isn't expected to return from his right hamstring injury until late next week.
The Cubs on Friday also activated catcher David Ross off the seven-day concussion list, placed reliever Trevor Cahill on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right knee and activated left-hander Clayton Richard off the DL.
Manager Joe Maddon said Fowler felt good running the bases Thursday and will soon go on another minor league rehab stint.
"He hit the bases and felt good about it," Maddon said.
Fowler hasn't played since June 18 as he recovers from a strain that also kept him out of the All-Star Game.
Ross, who has a history of concussions, took a foul ball off his mask before the All-Star break. Infielder Munenori Kawasaki was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to make room for Ross.
Cahill, a right-hander who has struggled lately, has a 3.07 ERA in 33 appearances. His DL stay is retroactive to July 9.
Richard had been sidelined with a blister on his throwing hand. Maddon said his "velocity was up" during a minor league rehab assignment.
Maddon said outfielder Jorge Soler is also nearing a minor league rehab assignment as he recovers from a left hamstring injury.
>>Cubs' Hammel Told To Eat Potato Chips To Avoid Cramps
Saturday afternoon, the Cubs beat the Rangers (CHC 3, TEX 1) thanks in large part to starter Jason Hammel. Hammel held Texas to one run on three hits and a walk in six innings. He struck out seven to improve to 8-5 with a 3.34 ERA on the season.
Hammel dealt with some on and off cramping prior to the All-Star break, first in his hamstring and then in his pitching hand. He was able to avoid more cramping Saturday thanks to potato chips. Yes, potato chips. He ate them in the tunnel between innings. Doctor's orders too.
Per Carrie Muskat of MLB.com, Hammel was told by team doctors to eat potato chips because of the potassium and sea salt.
Some athletes have been known to drink Pedialyte instead of Gatorade because it helps with hydration.
