Because it’s that time of the year, I have to say up front: No, I don’t think Nico Hoerner is being traded. He took an at-bat in the bottom of the 7th inning, struck out, and then came out of the game. There were no hugs and he walked into the locker room quietly and solemnly.
For now, your hope and focus is that he’s not hurt too badly (Update below: It’s right oblique soreness).
Nico Hoerner has left the game with an apparent injury. Grabbed right side after check swing on strikeout.
That means… Kris Bryant is now playing shortstop.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 29, 2021
With Javy Baez already on the bench with an injury, Kris Bryant came in from left field to play shortstop (he really can do it all) and Ian Happ has entered the game in left field. I’ll update this post as soon as we know more. Please be okay, Nico.
For what it’s worth, given Hoerner’s importance to the near-term success of the Cubs and the non-competitiveness of this season, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cubs were being especially cautious.
Update: As expected, it’s right oblique tightness for Nico Hoerner. With Javy Baez still out hurt and Kris Bryant – let’s just be adults here – potentially on his way out the door, the Cubs may need to do some roster maneuvering before tomorrow’s afternoon finale at Wrigley Field.
Right oblique tightness for Nico Hoerner, according to Ross. #Cubs
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) July 29, 2021