Levine: Castro Hopes To Be Back Soon, Talks Of Respect For Baez
By Bruce Levine-
MESA, Ariz. (CBS) -- Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro is working with team trainers on getting back on the field soon. Castro spent the last couple of days doing low-impact exercises and getting electric stimulation treatment on his strained hamstring, as well as using ice to bring down the swelling"
"We will be in the pool today for (low impact walking and movement)," Castro said Tuesday morning. "I feel a lot better today."
Castro confirmed seven to 10 days is a realistic timeframe to expect him back in baseball drills.
Castro injured the hamstring on a slide, his second hamstring strain in two springs.
"I will do my routine everyday," he said. "I don't care how long it takes, but if I do all of my treatment every day, I will do it faster."
Castro said he will be have a better idea where he is at by the weekend.
"This injury is not as bad as last year's (hamstring strain)," he said. "I think this year's injury is a little less, and I have a lot of experience of what we need to do from that time."
Naturally, Castro was asked numerous questions about the major league readiness of Javier Baez, the Cubs' prized middle infielder prospect.
"He can hit," Castro said. "He is a good player, everybody knows that."
Asked if Baez will be ready to play in the big leagues this season, Castro responded, "Maybe -- I don't know because it is not my decision. If he makes the adjustment, it would be good for us if he is (in the majors)."
Castro downplayed any idea that he and Baez have a rivalry.
"We are good friends," Castro said. "Some people don't have a good relationship when they play the same position.We are fine. I just tell him play hard and you will be up here no matter what. Where he plays, I don't know, but I tell him you will be there. He has great talent and plays the right way."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
