The Cubs are making do without top backstop Willson Contreras, but it largely goes without saying that the club anxiously awaits his return. There’s optimism within the organization about his health status, manager Joe Maddon told reporters including Tony Andracki of NBC Sports Chicago (Twitter link).
Contreras has been sidelined since early August with a hamstring strain. At the time, the expectation was that he’d miss about a month of action, and it’s clear he’ll be sidelined at least that long — if not a bit longer. But it’s relieving to hear that things have progressed well to this point.
At present, Contreras has yet to resume baseball activities. Instead, he’s still building up strength in the region of the strain. Both club and player have every intention of exercising ample caution. In addition to the fact that Contreras has previously experienced issues in that area of the body, he’s facing a tight timeline within which to return. A setback would potentially be disastrous with just five weeks remaining in the regular season.
It’s not clear precisely how soon Contreras could be back. The timeline will obviously depend upon the particulars of his recovery. But Maddon noted that his first-choice backstop could begin picking up baseball activities as soon as next week.
I too, always try to make do
What happens to Lucroy when he comes back?
Carry three catchers.
Seems like a waste of a roster spot if all they can do is catch. Maybe Contreras plays the outfield?
Rosters expand in a week. Having three catchers on a 40 man roster is not a waste.
And while he’s not the hitter he used to be, he’s hitting .333/.417/.381 as a Cub so far.
In September with the expanded rosters it isn’t
If you’re talking the postseason, Lucroy doesn’t make the roster. Maybe just a Wild Card game but let’s hope it does not come to that.
Lucroy was signed after 7-31 deadline. Cannot be on the postseason roster.
8/31 is still the deadline for postseason. He’s eligible.
Yes 3 cathers on a 40 roster are nice and 3 with mlb experience as willy, luc and vic. But four is to many . Which they still carry.
Rosters will have expanded by then.
Cubs get a long look at their young back up and get a few games from Lucroy
Willy is out looking for a fight most likely