"Nomar Garciaparra is continuing to make progress, and the shortstop could be back with the Chicago Cubs by Aug. 1," reports MLB.com. "'He's hitting and it just depends on how much time he'll need in the Minor Leagues to get ready,' [Cubs athletic trainer Mark] O'Neal said. 'We're hoping by the third week in July he's in games in the Minor Leagues somewhere and that would give him 10 days to two weeks to be back here by the first of August. Position players are a little more predictable. With him, it's when he feels comfortable at the plate and can play a full game.'"