Anytime Javy Baez is out of the Cubs starting lineup, but his absence peaks interest this close to the trade deadline. Baez was out of the Cubs lineup on Monday against the Reds a day after injuring his left heel in Sunday’s 5-1 win over the DBacks.
Baez fell to the ground after running to first base on Sunday, but after being in pain, managed to walk off the field under his own power and finished the game. Infielder Nico Hoerner filled in for Baez, getting the nod at shortstop and batting eighth.
The Cubs’ shortstop is slashing .242/.287/.482 with a team-leading 22 homers, 64 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
“Didn’t know how serious it was last night,” manager David Ross said. “Looks like he woke up this morning pretty sore. He’ll be day-to-day.”
Arrieta and Wick throw sim games
Right-handers Jake Arrieta (right hamstring tightness) and Rowan Wick (intercostal) each threw simulated games on the field at Wrigley before Monday’s game. Arrieta threw around 75 pitches. Wick threw around 25 pitches.
“Jake looked pretty good,” Ross said. “He got some really bad swings. Command still a little bit off, I thought, in the first couple [of pitches]. But it looked like he locked it in a little bit later. Get back over that glove side. He looked pretty good.
“RoWick looked good, as well. I thought he looked sharp – the breaking ball. It was just nice to see him. Looks like he’s had a chance to build up. Ball was coming out really good. I couldn’t tell velocity or any of that stuff. I’m bad at judging that, but the movement on both guys’ pitches looked pretty darn good.”
Wick left Wrigley following his sim game and headed to Triple-A Iowa where he will continue to progress in his rehab. Arrieta will throw another bullpen in the coming days and the team will determine what his next step will be.
Steele ready to roll
Left-hander Justin Steele has been getting stretched out to start in the big leagues after being an important part of the Cubs’ bullpen earlier in the season. But it sounds like Steele is ready to make his first start in the Majors. That start will likely come after the trade deadline and the team has more time to make roster adjustments.
Steele is 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA in 11 games this season.
“Justin’s pitching down [in Triple-A] and been stretched out. He threw [four innings] and 70-something pitches his last start. Yes. In theory, he’s ready.”
