Well, it was bad enough that Craig Counsell pinch-hit Justin Dean for Matt Shaw in the ninth inning of Sunday’s series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago Cubs fans were flabbergasted over the switch, but you just had to know there was something physically wrong with Shaw for him to get lifted.
After the Cubs won 4-3, Counsell did reveal that Shaw was dealing with a wrist issue. It was officially classified as wrist soreness, and that’s certainly something that you don’t love to hear.
Shaw was placed on the injured list in May because of back tightness. The infielder, now a right fielder, missed nearly three weeks of action as he recovered and then was sent out on a rehab assignment at Triple-A. Since his return, Shaw has been good again at the plate, posting a slash line of .257/.395/.457, with a home run, two triples, eight RBI, and a stolen base.
He didn’t start on Sunday, coming in off the bench and walking on seven pitches in the seventh inning. Shaw only took one swing in that plate appearance, which was a foul ball. It’s noteworthy because that one hack had a swing speed of 66mph, which is more than 5mph slower than Shaw’s season-average swing speed in 2026.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
Shaw had his struggles in May, leading up to his first stint on the injured list, but overall, he’s been a valuable bench player for the Cubs so far this season. He’s also improved defensively in right field, giving the Cubs the opportunity to move Seiya Suzuki to the designated hitter spot when needed. After a great second half to end the 2025 season, Shaw has recorded a 107 wRC+ in 147 plate appearances this year. He’s been especially great facing left-handed pitching, slashing .279/.353/.492 with two home runs, five doubles, and a triple in 68 plate appearances.
When Shaw’s in the starting lineup against left-handed pitchers, the Cubs are much deeper one through nine. It would be another blow to the team if Shaw has to miss time on the injured list again, and it is more concerning when you’re talking about a wrist issue for a hitter. Hopefully, it is a minor issue, and Shaw won’t be forced to miss much more action.
