Yu Darvish moving closer to Cubs return

Chicago Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish may be getting closer to returning to the mound.

Darvish will face live hitters on Wednesday, which could serve as a prelude to a rehab assignment.

Darvish played catch. Tentatively scheduled for live BP Wednesday.

— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) August 6, 2018

Darvish last pitched on May 20, and since then, he’s been the subject of chatter about whether the clubhouse still respects him. That’s probably going to dog him until he gets back on the mound.

Darvish has only made eight starts for the Cubs, posting a 4.95 ERA in them. He hasn’t lived up to expectations, but he still has time to impact the playoff race as well as a Cubs playoff run, which looks increasingly likely as they lead the NL Central.