LOS ANGELES -- Yu Darvish struck out five and gave up three hits over five innings on Monday night in a rehab start for Class A South Bend, and if the right-hander passes all the tests, his next start could be this weekend for the Cubs.
Darvish, on the disabled list since May 26 because of tendinitis in his right triceps, did serve up a home run to West Michigan catcher Joey Morgan with one out in the third inning. He threw 57 pitches, 41 for strikes, and did not walk a batter.
"Five innings would be a great day for him," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.
What's next will depend on how Darvish feels on Tuesday. The Cubs host to the Twins in an Interleague series this weekend at Wrigley Field.
"We'll have to evaluate it," Maddon said.
Injury updates: Morrow, Edward
• Brandon Morrow threw a bullpen session on Monday, his first since going on the disabled list because of back spasms.
"It shouldn't be much longer," Maddon said of his closer, who was placed on the DL on June 20.
Morrow was not expected to make a Minor League rehab outing.
• C.J. Edwards threw a bullpen session on Sunday, and the Cubs are evaluating him to determine the next step in his rehab. The right-hander, sidelined with inflammation in his right shoulder since May 30, most likely will throw one more bullpen session before facing batters.
Chatwood on paternity leave
Tyler Chatwood was placed on paternity leave on Monday, which opened a spot for Duane Underwood Jr., who got the start in his Major League debut against the Dodgers on Monday. Chatwood and his wife, Veronica, welcomed their first child, son Owen Cruze, on Sunday night.
Maddon wasn't sure when Chatwood could return to the rotation, although it most likely won't be until this weekend at the earliest.
Cubs sign another Draft pick
The Cubs have signed sixth-round pick Kohl Franklin for $540,000, well above the slot value of $245,600. The right-handed pitcher was slowed by a broken foot this spring but when healthy, his fastball registered at 93 mph.
The Cubs announced they had signed first-round pick Nico Hoerner last week, but he made it official on his Instagram and Twitter account, posting a photo of himself with a Cubs backdrop. Hoerner wrote: "Signed my first pro contract! While this officially ends my college career, these were 3 of the most enjoyable and influential years I'll ever experience. My teammates and coaching staff made Sunken Diamond the happiest place in my life (even if the ball goes nowhere at night). It hurts to leave with unfinished business, but Stanford Baseball is in a great place moving forward. The train keeps on rolling."
• Draft Tracker: Every Cubs pick
Worth noting
• According to a release from Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs have placed Shae Simmons on waivers. If and when he clears, it would open a spot on the 40-man roster. Simmons has a 5.56 ERA in 22 2/3 innings at Iowa this season.