Cactus Notes: Injury updates

MESA, Ariz.–New Cubs pitcher Paul Maholm threw a side session on Monday but was sent home afterward, as he is still recovering from the flu. Although Maholm was slated to compete against Rodrigo Lopez in the Cubs bunting competition this afternoon, their matchup was postponed by manager Dale Sveum.

“I think he got a little sick–a little lightheaded–and is still a little dehydrated from being sick,” Cubs manager Dale Sveum said.

Shortstop Starlin Castro showed no ill effects after being hit in the forearm by a fastball from pitcher Kerry Wood during live batting practice on Monday. Castro, who was immediately examined by assistant trainer Ed Halbur, stepped back in against Wood later in the round and participated in all other drills throughout the day.

“He’s fine,” Sveum said. “I wasn’t there to witness it. It sounded a little more scary, but he’s fine. He stepped right in and did all his drills after that. It was almost like he didn’t get hit.”