Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Cubs place Matt Shaw on the injured list?
Matt Shaw is dealing with wrist soreness that turned out to be more than minor. The Cubs placed him on the injured list prior to Monday's series opener against the San Diego Padres after he was pulled from a scheduled ninth-inning at bat against the Brewers on Sunday.
What tipped fans off that something was physically wrong with Matt Shaw on Sunday?
Manager Craig Counsell pinch-hit Justin Dean for Shaw in the ninth inning of the series finale against the Brewers, which raised red flags. After the Cubs won 4-3, Counsell confirmed Shaw was dealing with a wrist issue.
How has Matt Shaw been performing at the plate this season before getting hurt?
Shaw has posted a 107 wRC+ in 147 plate appearances this year and has been especially dangerous against left-handed pitching, slashing .279/.353/.492 with two home runs, five doubles, and a triple in 68 plate appearances. Since returning from back tightness three weeks ago, he recorded a 143 wRC+ in 43 plate appearances.
Who is replacing Matt Shaw on the Cubs roster?
Outfield prospect Kevin Alcántara was called back up to replace Shaw, the same role he filled when Shaw first hit the injured list in May. Alcántara is expected to see starts primarily against left-handed pitching, while Michael Conforto handles at-bats against righties.
How did Kevin Alcántara perform at Triple-A after being sent down earlier this season?
Alcántara bounced back strong after being optioned back to Triple-A, posting a slash line of .356/.441/.576 with two home runs in 68 plate appearances. He only got 10 total plate appearances during his first big-league call-up in May.
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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