Soler takes first BP since spraining ankle
Cubs outfielder no longer wearing supportive boot; Olt begins rehab stint at Double-A
MINNEAPOLIS -- Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler, on the disabled list since June 3 with a left ankle sprain, took batting practice on the field Friday for the first time since he was sidelined. He is no longer wearing a supportive boot on his ankle.
• Cast your Esurance All-Star ballot for #ASGWorthy players
The Cubs also got good news regarding third baseman Mike Olt, who was to begin a rehab assignment Friday with Double-A Tennessee. Olt has been on the DL since April 15 because of a hairline fracture in his right wrist.
Olt's absence created an opening for rookie Kris Bryant, who was riding a 14-game hitting streak entering Friday's game against the Twins. Where Olt fits in the Cubs' plans is to be determined.
The Cubs do need reliever Neil Ramirez. The right-hander, on the DL since April 16 with inflammation in his shoulder, had a good outing for Tennessee on Wednesday, retiring all three batters he faced.
"We have a bunch of good little things going on right now," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Friday.
Maddon, wife hosting fundraising boxing match Sept. 2
• Maddon and his wife, Jaye, will host a "Respect the Main Event" boxing match fundraiser Sept. 2. The event will feature amateur boxers from around Chicago and raise money to keep Chicago youth college-bound and engaged in sports.
Maddon's hoping a Dodge van that he's having customized will be ready by then.