Worth noting
Matt Garza, who was on the 60-day disabled list with a right elbow injury, was to be examined in mid to late November, Hoyer said. All signs are that Garza was making good progress in his rehab.
"It's a slow healing process and hopefully the scan shows a lot of growth," Hoyer said. "We are optimistic because of how he feels."
The Cubs also are monitoring third baseman Ian Stewart's progress as he recovers from left wrist surgery in June. Stewart is arbitration eligible, and the Cubs don't have many third-base options in the system.
"Honestly, it's a position we're looking at very hard," Hoyer said. "Stewart is one possibility and that will be determined by health. We're looking at a lot of different avenues -- trade, free agency, etcetera, and it's not a position that's all that well represented in free agency this year. It's a challenge we have to figure out."