Before Sunday’s game against the Royals, manager David Ross was asked how long he expected Nico Hoerner to be on his rehab assignment.
“We’re going to wait and make sure he gets through today and then we’ll see if he can get through tomorrow and then we’ll see if he gets through the next day,” Ross said. “When he looks healthy, we’ll bring him back up.”
Unfortunately, Ross’ caution was prescient.
Recovering from a right oblique strain, Hoerner began his rehab stint Sunday at Single-A South Bend but left the game in the middle of his third-inning at-bat after an awkward-looking swing. The Cubs said Hoerner felt increased tension along his right oblique and took himself out as a precaution, and the team will reassess Monday.
Following a stay in South Bend, Hoerner was ticketed for Triple-A Iowa before coming back to the Cubs, where the plan was for him to play shortstop.
“Look how fast he picked up second base and how special he was there,” Ross said. “I have no doubt in my mind that he can be a big-league shortstop on a regular basis. If he can stay healthy and on the field, he’s a really big piece to this team moving forward.”
Staying power
Entering Sunday’s game against the Royals, Patrick Wisdom’s 20 homers led all National League rookies, a total that ties him with the 1993 Marlins’ Orestes Destrade for the NL record for homers in a season by a rookie 29 or older. Wisdom has gotten a chance and run with it, putting himself squarely in the picture for the 2022 Cubs.
Perhaps most importantly, Wisdom’s been able to produce even as opposing pitchers have made adjustments.
“It’s who he is. He’s got real thunder in his hands… when he touches the baseball it jumps,” Ross said. “The more contact he makes the more he gets familiar with the pitching staffs, the divisions and the league and how guys pitch him and making his proper adjustments. I think that he’ll continue to even get better than he’s doing now.”
What about Willson?
Ross said Willson Contreras (right knee sprain) is doing well but not moving 100%. Before Sunday’s game, Contreras got some work in, testing the knee (with a brace) running the bases. As for what else he’s doing, Ross said Contreras is doing some catching but not blocking just yet.
When Contreras returns, it might be as a designated hitter first. The Cubs visit the White Sox this weekend before going to Minnesota to see the Twins, potentially giving Contreras a chance to DH.
Responding to Matheny
Royals manager Mike Matheny was upset about Saturday’s 34-minute weather delay, one that didn’t include a lot of rain but did mess with the flow of pitcher Kris Bubic, whose no-hit bid was broken up after play resumed.
Cubs spokesman Julian Green explained that if there’s lightning within five miles of the stadium, the team will clear the seating bowl, which happened Saturday. If there’s lightning within three miles, the playing field will be cleared, which also occurred as Green said there was a strike a mile from Wrigley.
“The safety of the players on the field supersedes anything that is going on at the field at the time,” Green said.
