We’ve seen this story play out before, so I’m not going to tell you to exhale right now. But, there is at least a positive update on Javy Baez, who is out of the starting lineup tonight.
To the extent you were worried there was more involvement than just a bruised heel, sounds like that’s not the case:
Baez ok. Nothing serious w the heel. Find out in a bit if it’s more than one game.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) May 20, 2019
Maddon was looking to give Baez a day off anyway. We'll find out severity soon. Here was Baez postgame: “All the time I was running it didn’t bother me. When I got to the dugout it was kind of pumping a little bit. It's just a bruise.”
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) May 20, 2019
Maddon on Baez: Not bad, saw him in there on the bike…biking away. He’s just sore, we’ll let it play out. Thought it would be wise to give him the day. Should be available off the bench. Consider it day to day. #Cubs
— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) May 20, 2019
In other words, Baez getting today off was a fait accompli when he left last night’s game, even if he is, legitimately, basically fine now. I am not panicking, especially if it’s even possible he’s available off of the bench tonight.
Even if Baez misses one more day tomorrow (against a righty who is very tough on righties this year in Zach Eflin), I won’t immediately assume it’s “one of those situations” where things drag on much longer than initial suggested.