MESA, Ariz. – The day after manager Joe Maddon compared Eloy Jimenez to a young Edgar Martinez or Miguel Cabrera, the Cubs were waiting to see how to proceed with his sore right shoulder.
Jimenez underwent tests on Saturday that left Cubs officials quietly optimistic that treatment for their top prospect would be focused on rest and a strengthening program. A clearer picture likely wouldn’t come into focus until later this weekend.
Jimenez made an awkward throw from the outfield four days ago during a Cactus League game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Sloan Park, though the discomfort was said to be building and not necessarily triggered by a specific play.
The scouting report on Jimenez is a polished approach for his age (20), size (6-foot-4) and relative inexperience (800-plus professional at-bats) since signing out of the Dominican Republic for $2.8 million.
After likely starting this season at advanced Class-A Myrtle Beach, the Cubs see Jimenez as a big part of the next coming wave that will hit Wrigley Field.