8/4 Soto update

Geovany Soto tuned up for his return by hitting a solo homer Tuesday night in his second rehab game for Double-A Tennessee. Soto went 1-for-3 in the Smokies game against Carolina. He struck out in the first, grounded out, and connected with one out in the fourth inning. Soto was then pulled.

Lou Piniella had talked about how he wanted Soto back on Wednesday, but will have to wait until Friday in Colorado.

“The feeling is he needs two more days,” Piniella said before Tuesday’s game. “He’ll join us in Colorado on Friday.”

Give Koyie Hill credit. The one Cubs player who has to be looking forward to Thursday’s off day the most hit two doubles in Tuesday’s 6-3 win over the Reds. He’s the first Cubs catcher to start 25 games in a row since Damon Berryhill did so May 13-June 9, 1989. Since Soto was sidelined on July 7, Hill has been behind the plate for 225 innings. Jake Fox has caught six innings since Soto was hurt.

– Carrie Muskat