Nico Hoerner’s fluky proper ankle sprain price him solely two weeks.
Hoerner initially feared he may miss extra time after colliding with an umpire in shallow proper subject May 11 in San Diego. He bounced again properly, although, and abruptly the Chicago Cubs infield depth is a energy.
Hoerner got here off the injured listing earlier than Wednesday’s sport in opposition to the Cincinnati Reds. In a corresponding transfer, catcher Yan Gomes went on the IL with a left indirect pressure. Willson Contreras was out there off the bench and might be again within the lineup for Thursday’s collection finale.
Gomes’ damage creates an prolonged probability for backup P.J. Higgins, who began once more Wednesday.
Manager David Ross indicated Gomes’ indirect pressure is on the milder aspect, which is encouraging for an damage that may be powerful to come back again from.
“The news we got back is not as bad as we thought,” Ross mentioned.
Hoerner’s return provides Ross loads of center infield choices, relying on how he needs to combine and match Hoerner with Andrelton Simmons, Christopher Morel and Jonathan Villar. Nick Madrigal (decrease again pressure) stays on the IL and went by a second day of full baseball actions Wednesday as he continues to progress.
Hoerner was not within the lineup Wednesday because the Cubs began Simmons at shortstop and Morel at second base. On days Hoerner and Simmons are each within the lineup, anticipate to see Hoerner at shortstop regardless of Simmons by no means taking part in anyplace else within the subject throughout his 11 seasons within the majors.
There’s a motive Ross needs that defensive setup between the 2.
“There’s a real benefit from a guy that young and upcoming getting as many reps at short for us,” Ross defined. “And the versatility of Simmons — I don’t know that there really is a real position in the infield anymore. I mean, half the time, (third baseman) Patrick Wisdom (is) at shortstop, right? So I think moving those guys around, you’ll see that.”
When Simmons joined the Cubs after lacking the primary 32 video games on the IL, he acknowledged his shoulder was not but 100%. Giving Simmons time at second base may assist as he will get stronger with extra sport reps.
More importantly, the Cubs can discover out whether or not Hoerner is a long-term reply at quick.
“Nico is a big-league shortstop,” Ross mentioned. “He’s proven he can play big-league shortstop pretty consistently already in this season. Let’s see what happens at the end of the year and assess there. It’s easy to say you can be a shortstop in the big leagues long term, but you also have to do it. You have to prove it.”
Hoerner’s defensive efficiency this season made Simmons really feel he didn’t must rush again earlier than his physique was prepared. He has been extremely complimentary of Hoerner’s play, particularly his backhanded leap throws from the opening.
Hoerner appreciates the reward from Simmons, a four-time Gold Glove winner.
“He’s someone who’s done it at the highest level,” Hoerner mentioned Wednesday. “I imply, a few of these stats which have been flashing, defensive runs saved within the final decade and issues like that, that’s fairly superb.
“So he’s a guy who not only does it but understands how he does it. He’s always thinking a play ahead and someone I’m excited to share the field with for sure.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com