Chicago Cubs reserve outfielder Xavier Nady finally got into a Spring Training game yesterday, but only as the DH. He’s not ready for the field, and by some estimates, he might not be fully ready to make all of the necessary outfield throws for several months.
“It’s a work in progress,” Nady said. “Even I couldn’t tell you if I’ll be ready April 10 or when I’ll feel comfortable to let it fly. The June 1 [date] is more to play and a guy tags from third, try to throw him out at home. That gives me almost 11 months [since the surgery].”
He said he’ll be able to play the outfield before that date and the Cubs will simply have to make some defensive adjustments, moving the cutoff men back to compensate.
“I heard ‘June,'” Nady said, “but I could play some games here and there. I really don’t know. I think time will tell.” Muskat Ramblings.
Lou Piniella confirmed that he believes Nady will be able to play long before June, he simply won’t be able to make big time throws. That, of course, is an issue, but it isn’t the end of the world.
Don’t be surprised if the Cubs start Nady off on the disabled list. It will allow them to sort out their bench situation, and will give Nady another two weeks to keep building arm strength and taking batting practice without straining the Cubs’ bench.