What were the past three days like for Javy Báez, who’s been out of the Cubs lineup while nursing a hamstring injury?
“Really boring,” the Cubs shortstop said pregame Thursday.
“I hate being out of the lineup and just watching the game," he added. “I need to be out there with the boys.”
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Báez is back out there on Thursday, making his first start since hurting his left hamstring running the bases on Sunday against the Brewers.
Báez stayed in that game vs. Milwaukee but he and the Cubs exercised caution with the ailment. He underwent an MRI this week and spent the past few days receiving treatment with the team’s training staff.
“I’m feeling really good,” he said. “I knew I had to take one or two days because we took the MRI and that doesn’t lie.”
Cubs manager David Ross indicated Wednesday Báez could return for Thursday’s series finale vs. Atlanta. Ross said the 28-year-old was moving well during pregame drills Wednesday, and Báez took batting practice after.
MLB
Báez said he knew the injury wouldn’t keep him out more than 10 days, which would have meant a trip to the injured list.
“It was a little pull, but I think if we were in the playoffs, I would have played, for sure,” Báez said.
Nico Hoerner, who started in place of Báez at shortstop the past three games, is also in Thursday’s lineup, hitting eighth and playing second base.