Frequently Asked Questions
What is wrong with Matt Shaw?
Matt Shaw is dealing with wrist soreness that was revealed by Craig Counsell after the Cubs' 4-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. It was officially classified as wrist soreness, which is a concerning injury for any hitter.
Why did Craig Counsell pinch-hit for Matt Shaw in the ninth inning?
Counsell pinch-hit Justin Dean for Matt Shaw in the ninth inning of the series finale against the Brewers because Shaw was dealing with a wrist issue. Cubs fans were confused by the move until Counsell revealed the injury after the game.
How has Matt Shaw performed since coming back from his IL stint in 2026?
Since returning from his back injury, Shaw has posted a slash line of .257/.395/.457 with a home run, two triples, eight RBI, and a stolen base. He's also been especially tough on left-handed pitching, slashing .279/.353/.492 with two home runs, five doubles, and a triple in 68 plate appearances.
What injury did Matt Shaw have earlier this season before the wrist issue?
Shaw was placed on the injured list in May because of back tightness and missed nearly three weeks of action. He then went on a rehab assignment at Triple-A before returning to the Cubs.
What did Matt Shaw's swing speed show in his plate appearance against the Brewers on Sunday?
In his plate appearance on Sunday, Shaw's one swing registered a speed of 66mph, which is more than 5mph slower than his season-average swing speed in 2026. That dip in swing speed raised red flags that something was physically wrong before the wrist issue was officially disclosed.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
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