Earlier this month, news of Ian Happ’s “clean out” procedure on his right elbow caught us by surprise. I don’t think anybody really knew Happ had anything going on at all, let alone something significant enough to require surgery and put a question mark on his status for Opening Day. But if Opening Day was once in question, it seems a lot less likely after today.
Look who’s in there batting cleanup, Mr. Ian Happ.
Today’s Cubs 9… pic.twitter.com/yQZNQW1Szb
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 23, 2022
Happ, 27, figures to be the regular left fielder (at least against right-handed pitching) this season, after finishing VERY strong from August on last year (223 PAs): .288/.363/.581 (147 wRC+). And if he’s able to get in games now, even as just the designated hitter, you feel a whole lot better about him being ready for Opening Day. I’ll save any pronouncements until we see him field a position this spring, but this is a huge step in the right direction. Love to see it.
I also love to see Brennen Davis right back in the lineup today.
Davis was removed early from the game yesterday after being plunked on the knee with a pitch – which brought him to the ground in pain. Needless to say, we were worried about the Cubs top prospect, even after early reports suggested it wasn’t going to be too bad (you just never know how an injury feels after sleeping on it for a night). But Davis is back in there today, playing the field and batting ninth. Again, just wonderful news all around.
Now just get Seiya Suzuki a start and let’s get this thing going.