Well, this really sucks. After missing most of 2018 because of surgery on his left elbow, Nico Hoerner is now expected to miss more time after suffering a setback following a wrist injury in April.
Theo Epstein revealed the terrible news about Hoerner on Monday. On April 23, Hoerner was hit on his wrist and was then placed on the seven-day injured list. Yet, after he was out for a week it looked like the Cubs were being extra cautious with the prospect and there wasn’t any indication when he would return.
Now, after a CT scan, a hairline fracture was discovered, meaning Hoerner will miss at least another month.
Hoerner was slashing .300/.391/.500, in 18 games this season at Double-A before the injury.
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Epstein also gave updates on a couple relievers who are coming back from injury.
Pedro Strop threw 25 pitches in a bullpen session Monday and will throw again later this week, as he’s coming back from a hamstring strain. Meanwhile, Morrow started his return from the beginning, throwing from flat ground.
So, while the Cubs haven’t dealt with huge injuries so far this season, the back of the bullpen doesn’t look stable with no Strop and Morrow and the infield depth isn’t holding up.
Ben Zobrist is away from the team and the Cubs don’t know when or if he’ll return. Daniel Descalso and David Bote are both struggling and now their top infield prospect is out for at least one month.
If the utility guys don’t start to pick up their production the Cubs could possibly be looking to trade for another bat to go along with some bullpen help before the July 31 trade deadline.
