Veras notches win in Minor League rehab outing

ST. LOUIS -- Jose Veras, on the disabled list since April 26 with a left oblique strain, picked up the win in relief in a Minor League rehab outing for Double-A Tennessee on Sunday. How soon Veras returns to the Cubs is still to be determined.

The right-hander has given up one hit and struck out three over 3 2/3 innings in three outings with the Minor League team.

"I'm sure he's anxious and feeling good," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said.

The Cubs wanted Veras to pitch at least two innings Sunday, but he was lifted after throwing 32 pitches (18 for strikes).

Outfielders Justin Ruggiano and Ryan Sweeney, both rehabbing hamstring strains, were continuing to make progress. Ruggiano, who injured his left hamstring on April 23, is hitting off a batting tee and rehabbing at the Cubs' complex in Mesa, Ariz. Renteria said Ruggiano could be close to beginning a rehab assignment.

Sweeney, who strained his right hamstring on May 2, is doing his rehab in Chicago.