I don’t love learning about roster moves after we see the starting lineup, but this one was pretty easy to see coming. After being removed from the game in the 4th inning last night, Jason Heyward (hamstring strain) has been placed on the injured list today:
Cubs place Jason Heyward (left hamstring strain) on the 10-day IL, Nick Martini recalled from Triple-A Iowa
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) May 20, 2021
According to David Ross, Heyward’s hamstring strain is “on the milder side,” which is good to hear, but I’m still glad the Cubs were more proactive than usual. Watching Heyward this season, it’s easy to discern that something has been off for a while, and an extended rest is probably overdue.
Of course, with Jake Marisnick still out, the timing isn’t ideal, but the Cubs were able to call up Nick Martini (the only other outfielder already on the 40-man roster), and he’s starting today.
As Brett discussed this morning, Kris Bryant’s versatility, Matt Duffy and Nico Hoerner’s strong performance, and Anthony Rizzo’s return from an achy back does help.
Cubs and Nationals play at 1:20.