Cubs' Hector Rondon Making Progress In Recovery From Triceps Injury

(CBS) Cubs righty reliever Hector Rondon is making progress in his recovery from a triceps injury in his throwing arm.

Rondon played catch for the first time in five days, he said Wednesday before the Cubs' afternoon series finale against the Padres at Petco Park. He admitted the triceps felt a little tight afterward but it was "nothing big." His hope is to take it easy Thursday and then play catch against Friday or Saturday.

Rondon is currently on the 15-day disabled list and hasn't pitched since Aug. 16. Barring a setback, he should return by the beginning of September, manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday.

If healthy, Rondon will be counted on to be a key contributor in the Cubs' bullpen down the stretch and in the playoffs. He has a 2.47 ERA and 0.80 WHIP in 45 appearances this season, and the back end of the Chicago bullpen has struggled at times in recent weeks in the absence of Rondon and fellow reliever Pedro Strop, who's recovering from a meniscus tear.