The Cubs activated Nico Hoerner off the 10-day injured list prior to today’s 3-2 loss to the Reds, with infielder Sergio Alcantara optioned to Triple-A in the corresponding move. Hoerner has been out of action since May 26 due to a left hamstring strain, and that was after already missing time earlier in May with a left forearm strain. Since Hoerner wasn’t called up from the alternate training site until April 22, today marked only the 22nd game of the season for the former top prospect.
Hoerner only showed flashes of his promise during the 2019-20 seasons, but was off to a strong start this year, hitting .338/.405/.432 in his first 84 plate appearances of the 2021 campaign. The Cubs are desperate for any sort of reinforcements, as a nine-game losing streak has sent them spiraling down the NL Central standings and down to an even 42-42 record.
More on some notable names returning to action today…
- Andrew Benintendi was activated off the Royals’ 10-day IL prior to the team’s 6-2 loss to the Twins. A right rib fracture sent Benintendi to the IL on June 14, and the relatively quick return is a particularly good sign considering that rib injuries essentially ruined the outfielder’s 2020 season. Benintendi had done a good job of bouncing back from that down year, hitting .283/.340/.429 with eight home runs over 241 plate appearances. The Royals optioned Edward Olivares to Triple-A to make room for Benintendi’s activation.
- In between games of their doubleheader with the Yankees, the Mets activated infielder Jonathan Villar off the 10-day IL, with outfielder Albert Almora Jr. going down to Triple-A. Villar had a retroactive placement of June 22 with a right calf strain, so he’ll miss only slightly beyond the 10-day minimum. Amidst multiple injuries within the Mets’ infield this season, Villar has ended up being a major contributor, hitting .246/.333/.410 with six homers in 208 PA while seeing the bulk of action as New York’s starting third baseman.
- Blake Snell tossed four shutout innings in the Padres’ 11-1 rout of the Phillies today, as Snell was activated off the injured list in time for the start. Snell was technically placed on the COVID-related IL while battling a case of food poisoning, which is why he was able to be activated today despite landing on the injured list on June 30. (Snell tested negative for COVID-19.) While Snell has a 4.99 ERA for the season, he has now tossed nine scoreless innings over his last two outings, hinting at a potential turnaround for the lefty’s first season in San Diego. Right-hander Mason Thompson was optioned to Triple-A to create roster space for Snell.
Almora the one hit wonder
He was very usable in 2017 AND 2018.
Hopefully the 9 straight losses can convince the cubs to start shopping their players.
Kris Bryant
Kimbrel
Rizz
Anyone who doesn’t want to be on this team can leave. I get it that the schedule’s been tough, but they’ve been quitting on this team. Time to blow it up.
And just how do you know they quit on the team? Just because they’re not doing well doesn’t mean they quit on the team.
Yea no one is quitting. Disgruntled fans say the darndest things.
Hope the Red Sox stay away from Kimbrel !
I get this feeling that Kris Bryant could be headed to the Yankees. It’s just a hunch as it looks like Judge could be on the way out…
Doubt all of that. Plus, if they did trade Judge, it’d be to retool, in which case they’ve no need at all for Bryant.
If they trade Judge they’d be pulling the plug on 2021 and 2022. If they do that, why would they trade for Bryant, a free agent after 2021?
Yes good thought jimthegoat
A still young player that showed promise at one time. A good candidate to play overseas
Return of the dead.
Good for Snell and the Padres.
San Diego could use some good injury luck.
Too many RIP’s in their comments.
These NL central teams are the worst in the national league in batting average. With the exception of the Reds who are 7th
Sounds like the Padres gamed the system, using the Covid IL for a case of food poisoning…how were they allowed to get away with that? The Padres front office is a cagey group.
Well when someone doesn’t feel well you have to test them for Covid probably multiple times. Since he wasn’t allowed to play until he was cleared no choice but to IL him.
He hadn’t played in more than ten days when he returned. Nothing odd about this one.
Padres more lies and cheating. They continue to cheat and lie more all the time.
Getting Villar back is a pretty big deal for the Mets. He slots right back in at 3b, which allows the Mets to acquire starting pitching over 3b.
Nimmo
Lindor
Alonso
Smith
McCann
Conforto
Villar
McNeil
P
Rotate in Pillar and Peraza to give guys breaks. Move the lineup around as guys go hot or cold, left versus right and so on. On paper it’s great, but ultimately the hitters have to hit in the first 6 innings if the Mets want to stay on top.
What about Guillorme? Definitely better than Peraza and possibly better than Villar