The Cubs activated three key contributors off the 10-day injured list Friday in infielder Nico Hoerner, starting pitcher Jake Arrieta and reliever Dan Winkler.
In corresponding moves, the Cubs sent relievers Jason Adam and Brad Wieck, and outfielder Nick Martini to Triple-A.
"Any time you get your guys back feeling healthy and back in the lineup, it's nice," manager David Ross said. "But you also appreciate the hard work that the guys that you send out give you and the effort they give you."
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Hoerner is in Friday's lineup vs. the Tigers at second base, hitting eighth, and Arrieta will start.
Hoerner (left forearm strain), Arrieta (cut on right thumb) and Winkler (right triceps tendinitis) hit the IL earlier this month, retroactive to May 3. Hoerner sustained his injury in a collision with center fielder Ian Happ on May 2 in Cincinnati.
Happ later hit the IL with rib bruising but the Cubs are hopeful he returns soon. Hoerner said he feels 100 percent.
"It stinks to miss time, but all things considered, Happer and I are both healthy and ready to play baseball," Hoerner added.
MLB
Arrieta pitched through the cut in his most recent start, April 30 against the Reds, but was hampered. He tried to throw a bullpen on May 3 but said he was unable to apply the necessary pressure on his pitches.
Ross said as long as Arrieta's thumb is feeling good, he's going to "let him roll" against Detroit.
"We'll keep an eye on him and see if the number on the radar gun and the pitch count and things continue to look sharp," Ross added, "and get some feedback from Willson [Contreras] as well and try to make the best decision to win the game [Friday]."
Hoerner has started strong since the Cubs recalled him from the minor leagues April 22. In 11 games, he's hitting .389/.500/.556.
Arrieta allowed seven runs in 3 1/3 innings in that start against the Reds but has otherwise been the Cubs' most consistent starting pitcher. He holds a 2.57 ERA with three quality starts in his other five outings.
Winkler holds a sparkling 0.84 ERA and 1.13 WHIP this season. His 13 appearances are fifth among Cubs relievers despite his absence.
Hoerner and Arrieta's returns provide the Cubs with reinforcements amid a flurry of injuries. Happ and Jake Marisnick (hamstring strain) are on the IL. Javy Báez has been dealing with back tightness but is in Friday's lineup.
Kris Bryant is in the lineup after getting hit in the left hand/wrist with a pitch Wednesday. He declined to get imaging and "all is good," according to Ross.