Cubs pitcher Matt Garza, the subject of trade rumors, threw on flat ground Saturday in his first action since leaving his July 21 start against the Cardinals after three innings. Garza, who has felt cramping in his right triceps, threw without problems and is to throw a bullpen session Monday.
Team officials said he will be evaluated after the Monday session.
``He's gradually progressing,'' manager Dale Sveum said. ``Everything is getting better each day, so that's good. We'll get him out there [pitching] late next week.''
But the future is still about the 3 p.m. Tuesday trade deadline as the Cubs weigh potential offers for the right-hander.
Tuesday will be a significant day either way for Garza. Doctors plan to induce his wife that day to deliver the couple's fourth child.
Garza, 27, left his last start in St. Louis complaining of cramping in his right upper arm. An MRI performed this week was ``clean,'' Sveum said, showing only some fluid near the triceps.
Most likely the procedure was also done to clear possible doubts about Garza's health among teams interested in him. It is also likely he wasn't placed on the disabled list to keep trade options open, though Garza will miss a start Monday.
Sveum said there still is no one scheduled for Monday's game against Pittsburgh, admitting the team may have to wait until after Sunday's game to name someone.
``We'll have someone here Monday or we might not need anyone,'' he said.
Right-hander Justin Germano, 29, whom the Cubs acquired July 19 from Boston for cash after he was designated for assignment, could be a Monday candidate. He took over for Garza in the July 21 game, allowing one run in three innings. He has appeared in 80 major league games in seasons with San Diego, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Boston, starting 36 games.