Cubs infield prospect Nico Hoerner has been diagnosed with a hairline wrist fracture, Mark Gonzales the Chicago Tribune was among those to cover (Twitter links). Hoerner had already been sidelined after being hit by a pitch nearly a month ago; with the new diagnosis, he is expected to miss at least one more month of action.
In other health updates of more immediate concern for the MLB roster, relievers Pedro Strop and Brandon Morrow are progressing in their rehab efforts. The former has thrown his first pen session since he hit the injured list with a hamstring injury. The latter has (again) begun a throwing program once again. He’s still trying to work back from a string of elbow ailments.
Though the Cubs would no doubt put a priority on getting those veteran relievers back in action, the absence of Hoerner does come with possible MLB implications. While there isn’t a clear need at the moment in the infield, he’s a near-term option for the organization.
Hoerner would also be of interest to other clubs in trade talks this summer. The 22-year-old cracked top-100 prospect lists to open the season and is seen by most as the organization’s best prospect. He further improved his stock before the injury, posting a .300/.391/.500 slash over 69 plate appearances at the Double-A level.
As for Strop and Morrow, the former is obviously ahead of the latter but still seems to be a ways off from a return to the MLB pen. The Cubs will need to continue to handle Morrow with the utmost care given the repeat setbacks he has experienced (to say nothing of his lengthy injury history).
The team has managed to fill in the gaps well enough with its groundball-heavy group of relievers. And there are other hurlers with late-inning experience on hand. Still, it’d be nice to have Strop and Morrow back in action. They are arguably the top two relief options on the roster when it’s at full strength.
Wait…i’m confused.
Didn’t Hoerner get hit in the wrist around April 23? And they’re just announcing this now? So
Is it a month from the injury or a month from now?
It’s been a month since Nico last played. Does this mean one more month, or is this reporter just now catching wind of his injury?
Great minds…
Doctors initially diagnosed Nico Hoerner with a wrist bruise that left Cubs fans and executives relieved. After the top prospect experienced a setback in his recovery, however, a CT scan revealed a more significant injury. And — big sigh — the results are not good.
From another site, but more clear. I agree with you both it was hard to decipher what was being said.
Sorry, I clarified the phrasing. It’s a new diagnosis arising out of the same initial injury. He’s out one more month (at least).
No problem. Appreciate the update nonetheless. I didn’t even know he was put, ashamedly.
I’ve got a feeling that Hoerner will be better than Nick Madrigal.
Played with Nico growing up in Oakland and against him in high school. Dude is relentless in his pursuit of success and is one of, if not the most, talented player I’ve matched up against. Won’t definitively say he’ll be better than Madrigal but I wouldn’t be surprised.
I’m shocked
Nico Hoener comparison = Ben Zobrist near his prime? Double digit homers and steals while playing all around the diamond?
I hope you’re right. I’ll take that. Just thinking out load here but if Nico can hit 270-280, 12 homers, 65 rbi’s, steal 15 bases for several years while providing some decent defense I’ll take it. Hope he recovers and gets back soon.
Banking on Morrow is a pipe dream. And Strop has had relentless hamstring issues. Theo is going to have to make a move. Their BP is ok, but they lack a late inning dominator.