Cubs' Julian Merryweather: Set to begin rehab assignment

Merryweather (ribs) threw a live batting practice Saturday, and manager Craig Counsell said the 32-year-old right-hander will be out on rehab assignment with High-A South Bend next week, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Merryweather landed on the injured list April 7 with a right shoulder strain, and he was later transferred to the 60-day IL after additional testing revealed a rib stress fracture in his right back. He's been slowly working his way through baseball activities, and he'll likely need multiple rehab outings as he looks to return to the big club after the All-Star break.