Warren on the spot for a start; and Cubs injury updates

NEW YORK – After throwing 73 pitches over five innings for Class AAA Iowa in his second minor-league start Thursday, right-hander Adam Warren is poised to join the Cubs’ rotation for a spot start, probably Tuesday or Wednesday at home against the Reds.

The Cubs planned the start to give the five starts an extra day during a stretch of 24 games in 24 days. And the club is considering looking for a spot on the other side of the All-Star break for another spot start for Warren.

“Overall, he pitched well, and everybody liked his stuff,” manager Joe Maddon said of Warren’s outing, which included three strikeouts without a walk and a two-run homer by former Cub Justin Ruggiano.

Notes: After playing a fourth minor-league rehab game Friday night, infielder Tommy La Stella (hamstring) was to be evaluated for a possible return from the DL as soon as this weekend in New York, said Maddon. … Leadoff hitter Dexter Fowler, who has been on the DL with a hamstring injury for almost two weeks, is not recovering as quickly as anticipated, Maddon said, and could be facing a return after the All-Star break. … Jason Heyward was back in the lineup as expected Friday after taking time the previous two days to rest a sore left side.