CINCINNATI — Caleb Kilian could become a factor in the Cubs’ pitching mix soon.

The right-handed pitcher was activated off the IL, returning to the Cubs’ 40-man roster and was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Kilian, 27, opened the season on the 60-day IL when he suffered a teres major strain in his right shoulder. It was brutal timing for Kilian, who had looked strong in the spring when he had a 1.50 ERA in 6 innings in Cactus League play.  

Instead, he was on the IL until July 2, when he began a rehab assignment. In 8 rehab games, Kilian has a 7.50 ERA in 12 innings, although that is a bit misleading. Kilian has pitched scoreless outings in 6 of his games.

“I think we have to judge kind of what we’ve seen the last 15 days and going forward,” manager Craig Counsell said. “That’s where we’re at with him. So, he’ll be in Iowa and just be pitching.”

Kilian has been a starter for most of his career, but Counsell didn’t commit to him returning to that role this year.

“I mean, he may pitch in longer stints in Iowa,” he said. “But, if we bring him here, it’s, you know, what I always say.”

An “out-getter”?

“Yep,” Counsell said with a smile.