Brailyn Márquez, the Cubs' No. 1 overall prospect, is currently sidelined with a left shoulder strain, team president Jed Hoyer said Thursday.
Márquez, 22, made his MLB debut in the 2020 regular season finale, flashing his potential with a fastball that hit triple digits. He hasn't pitched yet this season, however, at any level.
"We’re trying to rest him and get him right," Hoyer said.
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It's been a slow buildup this season for Márquez. He was delayed this spring training, and Hoyer said Thursday the lefty had COVID-19.
Márquez was assigned to Double-A Tennessee on May 4 and was on target to join the Smokies several weeks after, NBC Sports Chicago previously reported.
He later felt something in his shoulder, and the Cubs opted to exercise caution. He's yet to pitch for Tennessee.
"When you’re dealing with a guy that throws 100, you want to make sure that when you get him out there, he’s ready to throw 100," Hoyer said.
MLB
The 2021 Cubs season has seen several young, homegrown pitchers join the big league roster and play key roles on the pitching staff.
Keegan Thompson, Justin Steele, Cory Abbott and Tommy Nance each made their big league debuts. Adbert Alzolay has impressed in his first season in a big-league rotation. Dillon Maples is having his best season.
Márquez could join the group at some point this season.
"That's the hope," Hoyer said.