Levine: After Cubs Open Door, Tommy La Stella Could Be Back To Big Leagues Soon

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The strange story of Cubs infielder Tommy La Stella took a new turn Wednesday, as manager Joe Maddon first said on WSCR 670 The Score that La Stella was reporting to Double-A Tennessee to prepare for a possible call-up before Sept. 1.

La Stella infamously bolted from the team on July 29, when he refused a minor league assignment and went back to his home in New Jersey. Since that time, he's been working out there and kept in touch with team officials, including Maddon.

"He is first reporting to Double-A," Maddon said. "He will be moving on to Triple-A. He will be getting back here by the first of September."

That process might move even more quickly now that the team is down a left-handed bat. Outfielder Chris Coghlan was placed on the disabled list Wednesday with a right rib contusion, an injury he suffered while colliding with shortstop Addison Russell in the opener of a doubleheader Tuesday.

For the time being, the Cubs called up reliever Spencer Patton to replace Coghlan, but they'd been looking for a left-handed bat on the waiver wire in the event La Stella didn't return.

"We have been constantly talking to him," Maddon said. "There has not been extensive talks with him recently. This has been an ongoing thing. Most of the conversation has been with Theo (Epstein). Some has been with (mental health coach) Ken (Ravizza). I spoke to him early on. I have been detached from it more recently because of everything else I have been doing. It's a good sign. It is a good thing. We want him back. I know he will be very helpful to us down the road. I like him in the clubhouse, I like his personality here. On the surface, it appears we handled everything well. It is going to work for both sides. I believe it will work for both sides."

The Cubs have posted a 14-3 record without La Stella. Despite the great team success, the offense has missed the unique ability of La Stella to get the bat on the ball from the left side. His contribution is valuable in pinch-hitting or spot start roles, and lineup balance is something that the front office and Maddon preach as a big part of their mantra. La Stella is hitting .295 with an .846 OPS this season.

Due to others being on the DL, La Stella can be a part of the 25-man roster going forward even after Sept. 1. (If someone goes on the DL, anyone on the team's 40 man roster can replace the injured player.)

The Cubs believe the 27-year-old La Stella has benefited from his three-week hiatus.

"The time spent (away) was valuable to him," general manager Jed Hoyer said.

"He is going to minors, and he has to work his way back. We thought we handled it the best we could. We are excited he will be back playing again. There are no promises. We know he can hit. I believe he will go down there and perform. We are confident he will go down and perform well offensively. He always has and probably always will."

Teammates seemed mostly supportive of La Stella and his return to the big league club. Of course, some clearing of the air must take place between La Stella and the 24 other players to explain his absence from the organization.

"I am sure there will be conversations between he and his teammates," Maddon said. "There definitely will be some guys that want to talk about it. I know Tommy will be very open about speaking about it in return, would be my guess."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.