Cubs' Matt Garza Scheduled to Start for Smokies Today

KODAK, Tenn. - The Tennessee Smokies, Class AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, have announced that RHP Matt Garza is scheduled to make a rehab start for the Smokies during the team's game this afternoon at Trustmark Park against the Mississippi Braves. First pitch is scheduled for Noon EST.

Prior to straining his left lat during Spring Training, Garza was slated to be in the Cubs' starting rotation for the 2013 season. The right-handed pitcher made his major league debut on August 11, 2006 with the Minnesota Twins and holds a career MLB record of 57-61 with a 3.84 ERA, and was named the 2010 ALCS MVP while playing with the Tampa Bay Rays. Garza threw the first no-hitter in Rays history, accomplishing the feat on July 26, 2010 against the Detroit Tigers.

The 29-year-old was originally selected by the Minnesota Twins in the first round (25th overall) in the 2005 draft, Garza was traded to the Cubs from Tampa Bay, along with OF Fernando Perez and LHP Zac Rosscup, for RHP Chris Archer, C Robinson Chirinos, INF Hak-Ju Lee, OF Sam Fuld and OF Brandon Guyer.