Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras will head to Triple-A Iowa for a rehab assignment as he continues to progress towards rejoining the Cubs for the final month of the regular season.

Cubs reporter Jordan Bastian (MLB.com) reported that Contreras is likely to catch a few innings and get at least a couple of at-bats.

Given that Contreras is immediately being sent to Triple-A, there is a decent chance that he will only need this one rehab assignment before he is officially activated from the Injured List.

The starting catcher for the National League All-Star team injured his hamstring running out a ground ball during Chicago's 4-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Aug. 3, the second time in three years that Contreras has missed extended time due to a hamstring injury.

Prior to the setback, Contreras was having the finest season of his career. The 27-year-old from Venezuela was slashing .275/.365/.525 with 19 homers and a 128 wRC+ in just 87 games.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Cubs Red Sox prediction

RB Hayek ·

Craig Counsell, Pete Crow-Armstrong

Ryan Bologna ·

Cubs' Cody Bellinger with a quote bubble and talking head emojis, first aid kits

Jason Patt ·

However, the IL stint may have been a much-needed break for Contreras. After a scorching first half, Contreras was slashing just .194/.237/.306 in 10 games after the All-Star break. Especially given how poorly Contreras performed in the second half of the 2018 season (.200/.291/.294), the Cubs are hoping that he will come back fully healthy and refreshed for the stretch run.

Backup catcher Victor Caratini has been a sizable upgrade over Contreras in terms of his pitch framing, but there is simply no replacing Contreras' prolific offensive potential and cannon of an arm, not to mention his infectious enthusiasm.

Chicago still trail the St. Louis Cardinals by two games in the National League Central, but Contreras could provide the Cubs lineup with another crucial impact bat that could help them overtake the Redbirds.