7/2 Byrd’s back at Wrigley

Marlon Byrd was back at Wrigley Field on Saturday and expected to be activated from the disabled list. If he plays, it’ll be his first game since May 21 when he was hit in the face by Boston’s Alfredo Aceves. Byrd suffered multiple facial fractures. In four rehab games at Triple-A Iowa, he was 4-for-15 with a double, a home run and three RBIs. He also was hit by a pitch twice — and no problems. GM Jim Hendry said on Friday that Byrd could be back before the weekend was over.

“The indications are he’s really swinging the bat well and looks good at Iowa so not only is he healthy … but people are commenting on the quality of his at-bats and his performance and you think, ‘OK, he’s ready to contribute right away,’” Mike Quade said Friday.

– Carrie Muskat