Cubs' Javy Baez Diagnosed With Hairline Fracture in Thumb
By Sean Facey
Already in a tough battle to make their way into the playoffs, the Cubs just got dealt an unfortunate blow.
An MRI on Chicago's injured shortstop Javier Baez' injured thumb revealed a hairline fracture. He's set to see a specialist on Monday to determine a possible timeline for his return.
MRI on SS Javier Baez’s left thumb revealed a hairline fracture. He will see Cubs’ hand specialist on Monday to determine a plan/timeline.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 7, 2019
Needless to say, this is a terrible situation for the Cubs. Baez has been one of their most dependable bats this year, especially when healthy. He's managed 29 home runs, 38 doubles and an .848 OPS in 560 plate appearances for them this year, to say nothing of his prodigious defense.
His replacement, Addison Russell, is certainly a downgrade. The disgraced infielder has managed just a .677 OPS this year.
JUST IN: Cubs star Javy Baez could miss the rest of the season after an MRI revealed a hairline fracture in his thumb. https://t.co/24YdJHkOUh
— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) September 7, 2019
The pressure is now on for the Cubs to play their best baseball yet in spite of his absence. Though they still have a 2.5-game lead over the Diamondbacks for the second NL Wild Card spot, they need to give it their all while he's out of commission.
If they can manage to do that, then they'll be in good shape for whenever he returns. But that's a big if.