Cubs RHP Caleb Kilian (shoulder) to miss 3-4 months

Chicago Cubs right-hander Caleb Kilian likely is to be sidelined until the All-Star break with a shoulder injury.

Kilian, 26, had a 1.50 ERA in his first six innings of work but left the game Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals after signaling team trainers.

Manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that Kilian's precise timeline for a return will be somewhat dependent upon his progress. An MRI exam detected a shoulder strain, specifically the teres major, Counsell said.

"Caleb was off to a great start," Counsell said. "Talking to him, he should be very confident of where he was. And that should really help him over the next couple months here and motivate him. He should be really excited about how he was throwing the baseball. There was a lot to like, and he certainly got my attention, I know that."

Kilian was acquired from the Giants in the Kris Bryant trade at the 2021 deadline and has appeared in six career games, posting a 0-3 record with a 12.42 ERA.

Counsell also updated the status of second baseman Nick Madrigal, who left the same game Tuesday with a leg injury. He played a career-high 92 games in 2023.

Madrigal won't play for seven days and was diagnosed with a mild hamstring strain.