CHICAGO -- Outfielder Kyle Schwarber, who tore both the ACL and LCL in his left knee in the third game of the season, was examined in Dallas on Tuesday and is making progress in his rehab, though he's not expected back this season.
"The reports are really good, and he's progressing nicely," general manager Jed Hoyer said on Wednesday. "He's gone from two crutches to one crutch. Hopefully, some of his celebrations in the dugout will be less awkward."
This was the first time Schwarber saw the doctors since undergoing surgery.
"The doctors were happy at what they saw," Hoyer said.
• Cubs players are getting plenty of support in the All-Star balloting, but there's one guy the team would like to see in San Diego on July 12, and that's the veteran David Ross.
Miguel Montero is the Cubs' regular catcher and thus listed on the National League ballot. Cubs pitcher Jon Lester has lobbied for fans to write in Ross, 39, who is retiring at the end of the season.
"Crazier things have happened, right?" Lester said.
"Who doesn't want to go to the All-Star Game?" said Ross, who has never been named to one in his 14 seasons. "I don't want to take anybody's spot who is deserving. I don't want anything handed to me because I have a lot of gray in my beard and I'm on my way out in this game.
"It's cool and flattering. There's so many positive things that have happened to me over the first three months, including Spring Training, from this group and the city of Chicago and these fans. If they tell me I'm going to the All-Star Game, I'll be super happy, and if I don't, I'll go hang out with my family. I don't want to be given anything. I hope I earn everything I get in this game. I pride myself on that. I'd hate to take somebody's spot who is deserving."
• Jason Hammel had his regular side session on Wednesday and is set to start on Saturday against the D-backs. Hammel had to leave his most recent outing, on Monday, after two innings because of cramping in his right hamstring.
"It's a bad feeling," Hoyer said of seeing Hammel on the ground, trying to stretch his leg. "It is humbling, because you realize you're always that injury or text from your trainer away from a bad evening."
• Manager Joe Maddon blames himself for lefty Clayton Richard's tough outing on Tuesday. Richard did not retire a batter and gave up two runs on three hits.
"The ball was up a little bit yesterday, and I honestly believe it's because I haven't pitched him enough. The fact that he might have been a little too strong and the sinker wasn't down might just be through inactivity," Maddon said. "The guy's ready, and he cares, and he's a big part of our group."
• Prior to Wednesday's game, the Cubs players and staff met with some of the dogs that are part of the Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy group. These are registered therapy dogs, and some work with children who have cancer. The Cubs also made a donation to the organization.
"I wasn't planning on the loss [on Tuesday] night, however it worked out that way, and we had the appropriate consolation today from the comfort dogs," Maddon said.