Drew Smyly SP

The Rangers acquired Smyly (elbow) from the Cubs on Friday, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports.

Smyly hasn't pitched in game action since the World Baseball Classic prior to the 2017 season, having underwent Tommy John surgery that July. The Cubs free up some money -- Smyly is set to make $7 million in 2019 -- as they picked up Cole Hamels' option for next season. The Rangers' pitching situation is wide open but it's nearly impossible to predict Smyly's role given his extensive layoff.

Smyly (elbow) will pitch one inning during a rehab assignment Thursday with Low-A South Bend, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reports.

Smyly is set to appear in a live game for the first time since last June before undergoing Tommy John surgery that has kept him sidelined for the past 14 months. He's been able to throw a decent helping of simulated games, but this will be his first test at the minor-league level. His eventual return date is still uncertain, so this outing, and any additional rehab appearances will go a long way in determining whether Smyly can return to the majors this season.

Smyly (elbow) tossed a simulated game Sunday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Smyly, who has been facing hitters for the better part of August, pitched exclusively against Victor Cartini and a rehabbing Kris Bryant (shoulder). The southpaw hasn't endured any reported setbacks in his recovery from Tommy John surgery and could soon be ready to pitch in an uncontrolled setting, but it remains uncertain if he'll be activated from the 60-day disabled list before the season draws to a close. If Smyly does debut for the Cubs in 2018, it would likely be out of the bullpen, as he's running out of time to build up for a starter's workload.

Smyly (elbow) threw another simulated game Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

This marked Smyly's third simulated game in the past couple weeks as he continues to work back from Tommy John surgery he underwent last June. Look for him to advance to a minor-league rehab assignment in the near future.

Smyly (elbow) is scheduled to throw simulated games Thursday and Sunday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Smyly is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and has been out since last June. Assuming his sim games go well, he could start a rehab assignment by the end of July. Given the length of his absence, the rehab assignment won't be a short one, but he could return sometime in the middle of August.