Matt

Shaw

Shaw’s hand sprain is getting better, but he’s still having some issue while swinging a bat. Fortunately, the Cubs haven’t lost anything while giving his at-bats to Pedro Ramírez and Michael Conforto.

Shaw was placed on the injured list at the end of June with a sprained left hand, and the injury will keep him out for at least another two weeks. The 24-year-old should return to utility role with the Cubs after hitting .246/.322/.415 before that injury.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters Shaw is dealing with a mild left hand sprain and could begin swinging a bat later this week. The 24-year-old former top prospect has been unable to carve out a permanent everyday role at the highest level and has hit .246/.322/.415 with four homers and four stelas in just 147 plate appearances over 56 games this season.

Suzuki already missed the first two weeks of the season with a PCL sprain in the same knee. Matt Shaw replaced him tonight and would join Michael Conforto in line for additional playing time if Suzuki needs to go back on the IL.

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.