CHICAGO – Now that their non-waiver trade work is completed, the Cubs’ next move might involve the disabled list.

Manager Dale Sveum and general manager Jed Hoyer both said that Matt Garza will likely rejoin the rotation next week when the Cubs are at San Diego. Sveum targeted next Tuesday as a possible return date for Garza.

Nobody mentioned the disabled list, though.

If Tuesday is that day he returns, that would mean Garza would go 17 days between appearances after last taking the mound July 21 at St. Louis. Garza suffered a cramp in his right-triceps in that outing and has been recovering from a sore arm ever since.

By targeting next Tuesday as Garza’s return, it suggests the Cubs are considering going the DL route. If they put him on the DL it would be retroactive to July 22. The first day he would be eligible to return would be Monday at San Diego.

Adding as much relief as possible only makes sense as the Cubs transition to life without starters Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm, who were traded. If innings are limited for new starters Justin Germano and Casey Coleman relief help will be at a premium.