Chicago Cubs

Cubs Say Javier Báez ‘Unlikely' to Play Again in Regular Season

Báez had been dealing with an injured left thumb and an MRI revealed a hairline fracture, the Cubs said Saturday

The Chicago Cubs got even more bad news Monday as it appears shortstop Javier Báez will miss the rest of the regular season. 

In a social media post, the Cubs announced that Báez will focus will be on rehabbing for a possible return to the Cubs' lineup if they make the postseason. 

A team spokesman told reporters in San Diego, including Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, that Báez is "unlikely" to return this month, and that his focus is on the playoffs. 

Báez had been dealing with an injured left thumb and an MRI conducted Saturday revealed the fracture. The infielder has not appeared in a game since Sept. 1 due to the injury.

The shortstop visited a hand specialist on Monday to examine the injury, and while the ligaments in Báez's thumb appear to be intact, an examination did confirma  hairline fracture in his left thumb. 

Infielder Nico Hoerner has been recalled by the team and will make his big league debut on Monday against the San Diego Padres. 

The Báez injury isn't the only concern for the Cubs. Infielder Addison Russell, who was expected to get the bulk of the work at shortstop during Báez's absence, was hit in the face with a pitch Sunday, causing a nasal contusion. He was being evaluated for concussion symptoms and it remains unclear if he will return in the team's next game. . 

The Cubs are currently trailing the St. Louis Cardinals in the Central Division race, but are in position to earn a wild card spot for the second consecutive season.

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