Chicago Cubs Share Encouraging Roster Updates Ahead of Nationals Matchup

The Chicago Cubs have given a few updates regarding some of their star players ahead of the matchup with the Washington Nationals.
Chicago Cubs Share Encouraging Roster Updates Ahead of Nationals Matchup
Chicago Cubs Share Encouraging Roster Updates Ahead of Nationals Matchup /
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The Chicago Cubs could soon have some reinforcements as good news was released on Wednesday ahead of their clash with the Washington Nationals.

Nick Madrigal is running the bases as he works towards a return from a hamstring strain he suffered in the series against the Milwaukee Brewers ahead of the MLB All-Star break.

Him running the bases is seen as a good sign as it puts him ahead of schedule. 

Nick Burdi threw a bullpen on Wednesday as he works his way back to a Major League mound after undergoing an emergency appendectomy on May 24. He could be seen as a bullpen reinforcement when healthy and ready to go.

Finally, star shortstop Dansby Swanson continued baseball activities. Swanson could be eyeing a return as soon as this weekend against the St. Louis Cardinals. He is suffering from a left heel bone bruise on July 5. 

Swanson has missed little time in his career, missing just one game in the previous three seasons. If Chicago hopes to make any type of run prior to the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline they will need Swanson in the lineup to do so.

Having him back for a four-game series against St. Louis would be a huge boost for the Cubs. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.