Chicago Cubs outfielder Xavier Nady, recovering from his second career Tommy John surgery, was supposed to be DH’ing in Spring games by now. But he’s not – which is not awesome.
Nady signed a one-year contract for $3.3 million to back up all three outfield positions, and the team thought he at least would be ready to be used at DH during the spring.
Even though Nady said he feels fine swinging a bat, the extensive throwing he is doing to try to build up his arm makes him reluctant to face pitchers for now.
“I could have hit today,” he said Sunday. “Then again, it’s my second reconstructive surgery and I want to be smart. I just want to have it all working together. Eventually I’ll be out there. Sorry.” ESPN Chicago.
Weird apology there. Reads kind of defensive.
It isn’t a huge concern yet, but Nady will need to see live, opposing pitching soon if he’s going to be effective at the plate by the start of the season.