MESA, Ariz. -- Ted Lilly is on track to return to the Cubs as early as April 19 in New York.
Manager Lou Piniella said Lilly will throw three innings Tuesday in minor-league camp and make one more start Sunday before heading to a "warm" weather site for his rehab stint. From there he'll make two more starts, getting up to 90 pitches.
Piniella wouldn't give a date for Lilly's return, but the schedule points to the start of the road trip at Citi Field.
Piniella also named Carlos Silva as the No. 4 starter, and Tom Gorzelanny as the No. 5 starter. That schedule would have Silva following Lilly in the rotation on April 20 in New York, if he performs well enough to keep his spot in the rotation.
Photo: Rehabbing lefty Ted Lilly should return to the Cubs in mid-April. (Phil Velasquez/Tribune)
Piniella also said the final roster spot would be announced Tuesday or Wednesday. Kevin Millar and Chad Tracy are the favorites, with Sam Fuld and Micah Hoffpauir also in the mix. Catcher Chris Robinson will be sent down to Triple-A Iowa, but will be called up if either Geovany Soto or Koyie Hill gets injured.
"He's had a nice spring," Piniella said of Robinson, who played his college ball at Illinois. "I'm happy to see we have a catcher sitting in Triple-A we can call up in case of an emergency, or whatever."
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