First, a quick update I kept out of the headline: Nico Hoerner is not in the Cubs lineup today, as he continues to deal with left hamstring tightness. The Cubs have now blown past the maximum IL backdate optimization, which stinks, as they’re playing short-handed when they maybe didn’t need to be, depending on how much more rest Hoerner needs.
But that’s the bad news. The good news is that his middle infield partner, Dansby Swanson, is nearing a return. , Swanson is continuing his baseball activities today. And although he’s not coming off the injured list today (his first day of eligibility), the Cubs are targeting a Tuesday activation, which would mean he’d miss just two more games.
Saturday – 1:20 vs Pirates
Sunday – 1:20 vs Pirates
Monday – Cubs schedule off-day
Tuesday – 6:40 vs Braves
Hopefully Hoerner is back by then too. But even if he’s not, getting ONE of the middle infielders back is a big boost, because it will allow Craig Counsell to play the lefty/righty matchup game for Madrigal and Mastrobuoni at second base.
Meanwhile, Daniel Palencia, who’s been on the IL since May 7 with shoulder tightness is beginning his rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa today. Palencia had a rocky start to the season, but had started settle in before he was tagged by the Padres and ultimately hit the IL. He’s not going to be the most trusted arm over the course of this season, but we all know the talent and ability to dominate is there when he’s right. And considering how iffy the rest of the bullpen has been, I’d like to get Palencia back sooner than later.
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