Matt Garza throws off flat ground

Matt Garza has taken a step forward in his recovery as he's thrown on flat ground for the first time. 

Cubs pitcher Matt Garza threw on flat ground Saturday, the first time he's done so since he came out of his last start one week ago with cramping in his right triceps. Garza will throw a bullpen session on Monday, but he was not expected to start until late next week.

The subject of trade rumors, Garza will not start before Tuesday's non-waiver Trade Deadline, but the right-hander could make his first start back against one of the teams interested in him — the Dodgers. The Cubs travel to Los Angeles for three games next Friday.

"Everything's gradually progressing and he's doing much better," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said Saturday about Garza (5-7, 3.91 ERA), who was pulled from his last outing after three innings. "We'll try to get him out there late next week. Everything is going really well. Everything's getting better each day."