9/23 Silva runs out of time

Carlos Silva’s season is most likely over. The right-hander has not pitched since Sept. 7, and missed his next scheduled start five days later because of right elbow strain. He’s simply running out of time.

“The thought of him getting built up in time for the last series — you never rule anything out, but it would be very tough,” manager Mike Quade said. “My way of thinking is to just monitor him carefully. To rush somebody back for no apparent reason as opposed to getting him completely healthy would not make much sense to me. We’ll continue his throwing program.”

Silva has not thrown a side session since Sept. 12.

“He’s been around long enough and he’s smart enough to know what you want and what you’re capable of are two different things,” Quade said. “In the next six, seven days of work, it’ll tell him what he’s capable of doing. If he’s healthy, I’m sure he’d like to pitch. It’s not time for me to get involved until we see a healthy side and maybe a simulated game.”

Silva (10-6, 4.22 ERA in 21 starts) would need time to build up to 70, 80 pitches if he were to start. The Cubs have 11 games remaining.

– Carrie Muskat