Smyly (hip) threw a bullpen session Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Smyly (hip) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Smyly (hip) has been cleared to begin playing catch, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The Cubs placed Smyly on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to April 22, with a right hip impingement, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Through four appearances (6.2 innings), Smyly has a 4.05 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and seven strikeouts.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed Thursday that Smyly will begin the season in the bullpen, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Smyly allowed five runs on seven hits and a walk across two innings of work in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Rockies. He struck out one.

Smyly is likely competing with Hayden Wesneski, Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks for the fifth spot in the Cubs' rotation to begin the season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Smyly (11-11) allowed three runs on two hits while retiring only a single batter to take the loss Sunday against the Brewers. He walked three.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Thursday that Smyly will return to a bullpen role, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.