<
>

Randy Wells begins throwing

Chicago Cubs right-handers Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner began their throwing programs on Friday as they recover from injuries.

Wells is rehabbing a right forearm strain while Cashner had a right rotator cuff strain. Both went on the disabled list on April 8.

"I just played catch for the first time since Monday," Wells said. "I'm just trying to get a gauge where I'm at. I felt good. I threw about 40 throws.

"Not really sure [what's next]. I don't know how it's going to go. They'll tell me what to do next."

Wells said he threw the ball from about 60 feet, and he described it as a light game of catch.

"[The forearm] feels good," he said. "I'm getting there. It's been a long process, but that's part of it. I just have to take my time."

Wells said he could still feel a little twinge in the forearm when he was playing catch Monday. He said he felt better Friday.

Cashner threw 40 pitches.

"I threw the ball good," Cashner said. "No pain. I don't know how many pitches I threw. Maybe 30 or 40. It was just a light game of catch. I got up to about 60 feet. Everything was good."

It was Cashner's first time throwing since being removed from his April 5 start with a right rotator cuff strain.

"I was excited to come in today," Cashner said. "I got to throw the ball and be a part of the team again.

"I'll probably come in tomorrow and do the same thing. Then it will probably be more of a harder shoulder day [strengthening and conditioning the arm]. It feels real good. I just need some warm weather."

Neither pitcher has a rehab start scheduled at this point.

The Cubs have said Wells is likely to return before Cashner.

Bruce Levine covers baseball for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000.