Christian Villanueva will miss significant time this season after breaking his right fibula during infield practice Sunday at the Cubs facility.
Villanueva went to field a high chopper and came down awkwardly on his right leg. Villanueva had to be helped up and was carted off. Reports surfaced soon after that Villanueva had been taken to the hospital for X-rays and the Cubs were very concerned.
Joe Maddon said after Sunday’s practice that Villanueva broke his right fibula. The Cubs did not provide a timetable on his return other than he will be out months, not weeks.
Christian Villanueva was in camp trying to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. Villanueva is out of minor league options.
Villanueva will be placed on the 60-day DL as he recovers from the broken right fibula.
The Cubs acquired Villanueva, along with Kyle Hendricks, from the Rangers for Ryan Dempster in July 2012. Villanueva spent a majority of last season with Triple-A Iowa and was coming off an excellent stint in Winter Ball.
Christian Villanueva doesn’t turn 25 until June 19.
In 129 games between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa last year, Villanueva batted .257/.314/.438 with 23 doubles, two triples and 20 home runs for a .752 OPS. At Triple-A Iowa, Villanueva hit .259/.313/.437/.751 with 23 doubles, two triples and 18 home runs.
Updated 2:33pm CST – According to the Sun-Times, Christian Villanueva will likely need surgery on his broken right leg.
• Christian Villanueva’s Page on Baseball-Reference