MILWAUKEE – They’ve survived four months without their best leadoff hitter and much of the season without a closer.
Now the Cubs face the likelihood of being without their All-Star shortstop for the rest of the season after Javy Baez was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his left thumb after an MRI Saturday in Chicago.
Baez, who hasn’t played since leaving Sunday’s game a few innings after jamming the thumb on a headfirst slide, is scheduled to see a hand specialist Monday. The Cubs won’t estimate a timeline until then, but only 19 games remain after that, and his chances to return appear at least dubious.
“It’s definitely a blow for us,” teammate Anthony Rizzo said. “Honestly, I’m not going to be surprised if he chooses toplay through it for 20 games. That’s just the kind of guy he is. It kills him to not be playing.”
Baez already tried Thursday and Friday to take batting practice and return to the lineup, forced to abort the effort each time, prompting the team to send him for the MRI. X-rays immediately after the injury had been negative.
“Javy’s the heart of this team,” catcher Willson Contreras said. “He plays for us with his head on fire. We’re going to miss him a lot, but like somebody said once, ‘One steps out, one steps in.’ “
Enter Addison Russell. The one-time All-Star shortstop, who lost his job to Baez during a 40-game domestic violence suspension, takes over as the Cubs’ everyday shortstop.
He has struggled to hit this year but is by far the best remaining option for the position defensively on the roster. The biggest question is whether the Cubs will ask him to start the rest of their games, with only one scheduled day off remaining on the schedule
“He’s capable. I don’t think he’s been overplayed to this point of the year,” manager Joe Maddon said. “I haven’t gotten there yet. We’ve just got to keep a close eye on him and then we’ll make that determination.”
Added Rizzo: “It’s a big blow for our team. … As professionals we have to step up. We’re obviously [losing] an All-Star on and off the field, a perennial MVP candidate. So that’s not easy. But we can’t just hang our heads. We’ve got to play.”
Baez, 26, has batted .281 with 38 doubles and 29 home runs in 560 plate appearances over 133 games this season. He’s been worth 4.7 wins above replacement this season, per Baseball-Reference.
