Cubs expecting 'a significant group coming back' from the IL after All-Star break

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 24: Julian Merryweather #66 of the Chicago Cubs pitches during the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field on September 24, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. He’s been on the injured list for most of this season. Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty

Right-hander Julian Merryweather took the Wrigley Field mound Tuesday before the Cubs’ series opener against the Phillies. A group of four hitters, plus pitching and hitting coaches, looked on from behind a net as he got ready to throw live batting practice.

“I’ve been progressing really well,” Merryweather said. “And getting that first live out of the way was a good first step to keep progressing, and we’re staying right…