Cubs could activate Javier Baez before homestand ends Sunday
According to multiple reports, Javier Baez could be activated from the disabled list before the end of the homestand.
Javier Baez played his third rehab game with the Iowa Cubs on Wednesday. Baez batted third, played the entire game at shortstop and went 1-for-4 at the plate with two strikeouts and a run scored.
Baez is 2-for-11 with a home run and four strikeouts in three games. Baez has played left field, third base, second base and shortstop. According to the Des Moines Register, Baez will play left field again Thursday.
Joe Maddon said earlier this week that the Cubs wanted to see Baez get 20-25 at bats. Baez would need two or three more games with Iowa to reach that range of plate appearances.
Maddon told the beat writers before Wednesday’s game that Baez is close to returning to the Cubs.
The Cubs placed Baez on the disabled list on April 3, retroactive to March 25, with a left thumb contusion. Baez was eligible to come off the DL on April 9 before suffering a setback. During an extended Spring Training game, Baez was hit in the helmet by a pitch and the Cubs held him out of games for several days for precautionary reasons.
Baez jammed his left thumb sliding headfirst into first base during a Spring Training game on March 16 and did not play in an exhibition game after March 20.
The Cubs have not tipped their hand on which player will be sent out to make room for Baez on the active roster. Based on the team’s needs in the field, Munenori Kawasaki could be sent down to Iowa when Baez comes off the disabled list.