Matt

Shaw

Shaw returns to Chicago’s outfield mix following a nearly three-week stint on the injured list with back tightness. The 24-year-old former top prospect simply hasn’t shown enough at the plate to envision an everyday role at the highest level, but the opportunity is certainly there with Moisés Ballesteros scuffling.

Alcántara will head back to the minors with Matt Shaw coming off the injured list for Tuesday’s series opener against the Rockies. The 23-year-old top prospect entered Sunday’s series finale against the Giants as a pinch-runner and made a costly baserunning mistake, getting hung up between third base and home plate, which resulted in a double play. He figures to get another shot with the Cubs later this summer based on his impressive power numbers at the Triple-A level this year.

Shaw has been out with back tightness since May 22nd and formally began his rehab assignment at Triple-A on June 3rd. He will likely return to his super utility role, which makes it hard to roster him in fantasy leagues.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters earlier thsi week that Shaw was likely to remain at Triple-A through the weekend to get a consistent stretch of at-bats before returning to Chicago. The 24-year-old former top prospect has been out with back tightness since May 22. There’s a path to consistent at-bats with Moisés Ballesteros stuck in an extended cold stretch at the dish.

Shaw landed on the injured list with mid-back tightness on May 22nd. He’s already back playing center field in Triple-A, which makes it possible he could return to the Cubs by the end of the week.

Back tightness can be a tricky thing for hitters, given all the torque in swinging. While there’s no timeline yet for Shaw’s return, it is likely going to be a few weeks. This will give top prospect Pedro Ramirez a chance to establish himself as a worthwhile player to have on the active roster.

Matt Shaw takes over at second base with Hoerner on the bench for some additional rest after making an early departure from Friday’s series opener at Wrigley Field with neck tightness. The 28-year-old second baseman has been a revelation, hitting .297/.374/.461 with four homers, 26 RBI and seven steals through 32 games, as an increase in over-the-fence power has pushed him into true superstar territory this season. There should be a clearer picture regarding his status at some point this weekend, but fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now.

Matt Shaw pinch-hit and took over at second base. This doesn’t sound especially serious at this point, but we’re sure we’ll get a real update at some point in the next 24 hours. Hoerner had already gotten a hit and scored a run, and was hitting .291/.370/.449 with four homers and seven stolen bases entering the game — he’s been one of the MVPs for fantasy baseball up to this point.

Shaw’s homer was a 351-footer barely over a leaping Nick Castellanos in left field. His first hit was a bunt single, with the Cubs taking advantage of the fact that it was Miguel Andujar and not Manny Machado at third. That ended up being well-timed, as Pete Crow-Armstrong followed it with a homer. Shaw’s exit velocity numbers are still pretty bad and his bat speed has dropped from last year, but he’s hitting .301/.342/.507 through 80 plate appearances. It’s just hard to see that leading to much playing time against righties while everyone is healthy for the Cubs.

Swanson should be considered day-to-day, but he was always likely to sit with a day game after a night game. Matt Shaw will start at second base and bat seventh with Nico Hoerner sliding over to shortstop. Seiya Suzuki will also get a day off, with Michael Conforto in right field and batting sixth.