Cubs hope Heyward, Marisnick return ‘soon’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Cubs outfielders Jason Heyward and Jake Marisnick took batting practice on the field before the Cubs’ home game against the Reds on Sunday.
“We're hoping to get those guys back soon,” Cubs manager David Ross said.
Heyward and Marisnick, both building up strength after sustaining hamstring strains, are eligible to return from the 10-day injured list as the Chicago Cubs’ injuries keep piling up.
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Around the same time as Heyward and Marisnick were running and taking BP, Cubs infielder David Bote was getting an MRI on his separated left shoulder. Bote hurt his shoulder on the base paths in the Cubs’ 10-2 win against the Reds on Saturday. Ross said he expects the results from Bote’s MRI later Sunday afternoon.
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Depending on the timing, Heyward and Marisnick’s returns could expand the Cubs’ roster move options as they manage a rash of injuries.
If Bote’s shoulder separation is serious enough, a move to the 60-day IL could make sense anyway, eliminating the need for a second 40-man roster move. But Anthony Rizzo has been out of the lineup for five days with back tightness. Ross said Rizzo continues to progress and the Cubs would prefer not to send him to the IL.
“But it it’s something that needs to be done,” Ross continued, “we’ll definitely do it.”
The rest of Ross’ now daily injury update was positive. Second baseman Nico Hoerner (strained left hamstring) rode the stationary bike Saturday, which Ross called “a good sign.” Reliever Justin Steele (strained right hamstring) is also improving.
“There’s a long list, isn’t there?” Ross said as he ran through the injury report.
As of Sunday morning, the Cubs had seven players on the 10-day IL and three on the 60-day IL.
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