Slugger Kris Bryant went 0-for-2 on Tuesday as the designated hitter in his second minor-league rehab game with Double-A Tennessee, and later in the day flew to San Francisco to rejoin the Cubs.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon said before Tuesday night's game that Bryant could be in the starting lineup on Wednesday.
"He's flying out right now, I believe," Maddon said. "And I think there's an opportunity he might be able to play tomorrow. So that's what we're working on right now."
Bryant, who hasn't played for the Cubs since June 22 because of left shoulder inflammation, struck out and flied to left before being pulled for pinch hitter Ian Rice in the fifth inning of the Smokies' game against Montgomery.
Bryant told reporters Sunday that he could rejoin the Cubs in San Francisco, where they will conclude a three-game series Wednesday.
Bryant went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs on Monday. He also committed a throwing error, but multiple reports indicated Bryant made several exceptional stops.
Left-hander Brian Duensing, who has been on the disabled list with shoulder fatigue since July 1, threw a perfect inning of relief Tuesday for Tennessee.
