Cubs Star Javier Baez to Undergo MRI on Sore Thumb
By Karl Rasmussen
Javier Baez left the game on Sept. 1 due to neck and thumb soreness. Well, it seems the thumb ailment is becoming something of a concern for the club, as he hasn't played in any of the past three games.
Baez will undergo an MRI on his thumb so the team can get a better understanding of the injury, and assess when their star shortstop will return to the lineup.
Javier Báez is now scheduled to get an MRI on his left thumb.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) September 6, 2019
The Cubs are hoping the MRI doesn't reveal any serious injury, as while they are currently in command of the second NL Wild Card spot, they are far from a postseason lock.
He sat out the series-opener against the Brewers on Thursday and will not be in the mix again on Friday, so hopefully Saturday's MRI can provide some answers. Cubbies fans should not be holding out hope that he'll be back for this pivotal series.
Baez will have the MRI Saturday in Chicago. Don’t expect him to be back in lineup until Sunday at earliest, if he’s able to return for this series at all.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 6, 2019
On the year, Baez is slashing .281/.316/.532. The 26-year-old has belted 29 home runs and knocked in 85 RBI while swiping 11 bags and scoring 88 runs.
One year removed from a runner-up NL MVP campaign, Baez doesn't quite find himself in the conversation again, but has certainly had an impressive season in Chicago. Cubs fans are hoping he will be able to get back on the field for the stretch run.