NEW YORK -- With an assist from the Cubs, Ben Zobrist is currently at home continuing his comeback attempt. Barring anything unexpected, it appears the next stop for the veteran utility man will be Chicago during the upcoming homestand.

Prior to Tuesday's game against the Mets, Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein noted that Zobrist is at home in the Nashville, Tenn., area and simulating at-bats against live pitching. The Cubs sent a group of inactive Minor League pitchers to Tennessee to help the 38-year-old work on his offensive timing.

"We've worked with him at his request to get him some live pitching," Epstein said. "He took a number of at-bats today, and we'll do the same thing the next couple days to continue getting ready."

Epstein said the Cubs do not currently have any more Minor League games scheduled for Zobrist, who has been on Major League Baseball's restricted list since May 8 while tending to a family situation. Chicago will need to add Zobrist to the 40-man roster before the end of the day Saturday in order for him to be eligible for the postseason.

It is possible that the Cubs will then wait until rosters expand on Sunday to officially add Zobrist to the Major League roster.

"We still think, utilized the right way and the right matchups, not asking him to do too much, that he can really help us,” Epstein said. “We're still expecting to have him active by the end of the month."

In 12 Minor League games across four affiliates this month, Zobrist has hit .189 (7-for-37) with four extra-base hits, as many walks (eight) as strikeouts and a .739 OPS. Epstein said the Cubs were more focused on Zobrist's physical condition than his statistical performance.

"His at-bats have been pretty good and he's driven the ball," Epstein said. "The batting average isn't where you'd want it to be, but I think we have to look beyond that a little bit. It's such a small sample. He's in pretty good shape. It's really just about his timing, being able to be ready for the fastball and also adjust to secondary stuff. That's what he's working on right now."

Rizzo still sidelined

Anthony Rizzo was out of the starting lineup on Tuesday, marking the second consecutive game that the first baseman missed due to mid-back tightness. There is a chance that Rizzo could miss the entire three-game series against the Mets.

"It's possible," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "I want to believe it's not going to be true, but it's possible, yes. He's doing better, but I just don't know. Backs, that's a cranky thing, and you just don't know."

Epstein said "there's a chance" Rizzo could play during the series in New York, but he said Thursday would be the most likely day. Rizzo exited Saturday's game against the Nationals in the fifth inning due to the back issue, which involves a different area than the back setbacks he has experienced in the past.

"I know he's really frustrated by it," Epstein said. "It's not in the usual spot -- it's a little bit different. But I think it's a situation where we have to be smart for a couple days to avoid a more serious injury that'll have him out for a longer period of time. He's coming in early, getting treatment."

Worth noting

• All-Star catcher Willson Contreras (10-day injured list, right hamstring strain) traveled with the Cubs to New York, where he caught Jon Lester's bullpen session on Tuesday. Epstein said that will give Chicago "some good feedback" on how Contreras is feeling and recovering.

"We're getting there, making a lot of progress," Epstein said. "Now that he's progressing to legit baseball activities, we're getting closer."

There is still no established date for a Minor League rehab assignment for Contreras, but Epstein noted that it could help that Triple-A Iowa's season will be extended with a postseason berth.

• Prior to Tuesday's game, the Cubs placed left-hander Cole Hamels on Major League Baseball's paternity list and recalled righty James Norwood from Triple-A. Hamels is still expected to make his scheduled start on Saturday against the Brewers.