The Cubs have activated Matt Garza to start against the Pirates on Tuesday night.
Garza last pitched in a major league game on July 21, 2012.
He has been out since early in spring training with a lat injury after missing most of the second half of last season with an elbow problem.
"I'm excited and happy I don't have to rehab again," Garza said. "This actually means something, so I can't wait. It's been 10 months in the making, I'm excited to get back out there."