Levine: Cubs Waiting To Determine Direction With John Lackey's Shoulder

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Cubs are still waiting to determine the status of right-hander John Lackey going forward after he left his last outing Sunday after experiencing some discomfort in his right shoulder

Lackey told media members Tuesday morning that he had to check in with the team's medical staff and trainers before he had time to talk, and Cubs manager Joe Maddon hadn't received an update on Lackey prior to Game 1 of the doubleheader with the Brewers.

"I haven't talked to (team trainers) yet," Maddon said. "We will know more soon. I am hearing he is feeling good. We have not decided anything yet."

Maddon said an MRI or other imaging tests hadn't been ordered.

With right-hander Trevor Cahill starting the first game of the day-night twinbill Tuesday, there's an option for him to start instead of Lackey next time out. Maddon can also consider pushing back the rotation.

"We could," Maddon said. "That is something we want to consider going forward. We have not determined anything yet. Based on (scheduling), there are things we can do to extend it if we want."

Lackey said Sunday that he may have pushed himself too hard getting ready for possible relief duty in extra-inning games. Lackey was up in the bullpen twice in those games within four starts recently. He leads the Cubs in innings pitched with 158 1/3, which ranks fourth in the National League in workload.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.