Cubs say ‘possible’ starter Kyle Hendricks could return from shoulder injury before break

Kyle Hendricks has progressed quickly enough in his shoulder rehab work since a cortisone shot last week that he could be in play for a return before the All-Star break, Maddon said.

“It’s possible,” the manager said. “If everything plays out properly and it looks like the right thing to do we will, but we’re still going to listen to him and his body. But he sounds really encouraging right now.”

Hendricks said he “felt really good” Thursday, the day after a 30-pitch bullpen session, and he expects to ramp it up to a full, 45-pitch pen on Saturday in Cincinnati – after which he’s to be evaluated for a possible quick rehab stint.

Notes: Right-hander Carl Edwards Jr. (upper back left side) also fared well Thursday after a Wednesday bullpen session and is scheduled for another one Saturday. ... Carlos Gonzalez was ejected in the fourth inning after confronting home plate ump Nick Lentz following back-to-back strike calls he didn’t like in three-ball counts. He struck out both trips to the plate and is not just 7-for-40 (.175) as a Cub, with 10 strikeouts. ... Kyle Schwarber’s leadoff homer in the first Thursday was his fifth leading off a game this season, tied for the league lead.