Baseball News: Byrd Begins Rehab, Danks to DL for Sox

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jun 28, 2011 2:17PM

The Cubs can use all the healthy bats they can get and it looks as though they'll soon add two more back to what's been a patchwork lineup in recent weeks. Outfielder Marlon Byrd, who's been on the DL with multiple facial fractures since a wicked beaning by Boston's Alfredo Aceves May 21, began a rehab stint in Triple-A Iowa yesterday.

Byrd leads a litany of Cubs who are slowly working their way off the DL. Infielder Darwin Barney, who's been nursing a strained left knee, homered last night in his rehab assignment at Iowa and could be back with the main ballclub tomorrow. When Byrd returns, he'll be wearing a protective mask wrapped around the left side of his face. Manager Mike Quade said Byrd may need a longer rehab stint, given how long he's been away, but anticipates him to be ready to contribute when he does return.

The Cubs are also expecting Kerry Wood to return to the bullpen soon as the blisters that landed him on the Dl heal.

On the South side of the city, the White Sox were dealt a blow to their starting rotation when John Danks was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained right oblique muscle. Danks suffered the injury during Saturday's contest against Washington. For a pitcher who took a liner to the head two starts ago in Arizona, the injury had to be bad if Danks is heading to the DL.

Danks's injury means Ozzie Guillen once again returns to a five-man starting rotation. A pitcher will be called up to head to the relief corps and replace Danks's roster spot until the texan is healthy enough to return. Danks was arguably the Sox' best pitcher of late, having turned a corner after an 0-8 start to win three straight games and show the dominant form that has made him one of the best young pitchers in the American League.