Tuesday was jam-packed with Cubs pitching news.

The biggest is the Caleb Kilian move as the rookie has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa and Mark Leiter Jr. was recalled.

Earlier in the day, the Cubs made a minor trade in dealing left-hander Eric Stout to the Pirates for a cash consideration.

The Cubs designated Stout for assignment last Thursday after the Chicago native (Glen Ellyn) appeared in 2 games for the team last week. He allowed 2 runs and struck out 6 in 3.2 innings but given that he pitched on back-to-back days, the Cubs needed pitching and a roster spot, leaving Stout as the odd man out.

The team also received some good news on the injury front as veterans Marcus Stroman and Drew Smyly are progressing in their respective returns.

Stroman — who has been dealing with shoulder inflammation — will throw a bullpen Wednesday. He threw off flat ground over the weekend at Wrigley Field, including a few pitches off the bullpen mound at 50-60%.

“He’ll pick up the intensity tomorrow and see how the ball’s coming out, see how the shoulder feels before and after,” David Ross said in an interview with Taylor McGregor. “See how he reacts to turning up the intensity.”

Smyly has been out since May 30 with an oblique injury but he is recovering well. He threw a bullpen Tuesday, building up to more than 30 pitches.

“Really nice bullpen today,” Ross said. “He felt really good; things are on the right track. He’s probably a little ahead of schedule than we had expected. All good news so far on Drew.”

While there is no update on Wade Miley — the veteran southpaw is still status quo in a rest period as he recovers from a shoulder injury — it is certainly good news that Stroman and Smyly are progressing. The Cubs could use their presence in the rotation in the near future.