Contreras Catches Lester’s Bullpen Session, Performs ‘Strenuous’ Running Drills

Willson Contreras traveled with the Cubs to New York as the intensity of his baseball activities increases, a good sign that he’ll be ready to return in the near future. As part of his rehab duties, Contreras caught Jon Lester’s pregame bullpen session and even performed what Pat Hughes called “strenuous” running drills.

There wasn’t a good deal of additional description, so we’ll just have to assume the workout was enough to get a little sweat on the catcher’s trousers. Every indication to this point is that Contreras is on track to meet that initial four-week timetable for a return from a grade 2 hamstring strain, which would put him right at a September 1 activation.

That is certainly possible, even likely, due to roster expansion, but the Cubs might want to send Contreras to Iowa for a tune-up first. While the minor-league season ends on September 2, the I-Cubs should qualify for the Pacific Coast League playoffs and will be playing deeper into the month should Contreras need any additional time.