Top Chicago Cubs prospect Javier Baez hasn’t played for the Iowa Cubs since Thursday, and it turns out a bum ankle is the culprit. Today, Baez hit the disabled list, where he joins Jorge Soler as members of The Big Four currently out of action.
Baez injured the ankle while taking grounders during batting practice on Friday, according to MiLB.com. No word on the severity of the injury at this point, but, given that he didn’t immediately go on the disabled list is maybe a good sign. Or perhaps I’m just perpetually hopeful?
The DL in the minors is just seven days, so, back-dated to Friday, and Baez could be back this coming Friday, assuming all he needed was a little rest. Baez was already, according to himself, dealing with some back soreness, so maybe a little time off (he did have a more strenuous Spring Training than most) wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. I’ll update if and when we get more clarity on the nature and extent of the injury.
As for Soler, he’s still recovering from his failed recovery from a Spring Training hamstring pull. He’s in Mesa right now, doing baseball activities, but it’s unclear when he’ll be able to return to the Tennessee Smokies, where he started the year (with one at bat, and then hit the DL).