Shaw landed on the 10-day Injured List on June 29 with a left-hand sprain that he suffered while fouling off a pitch.
Shaw, 24, is hitting .246/.322/.415 (105 OPS+) through 56 games with Chicago this season. He also spent time on the IL earlier in the year with back tightness.
A first-round pick (No. 13 overall) in the 2023 Draft, Shaw started 114 games at third base for the Cubs last season. But his role changed dramatically over the offseason, when the club signed three-time All-Star Alex Bregman to a five-year deal.
This season, Shaw has started games in all three outfield spots and every infield position but shortstop, embracing his super-utility role. When healthy, Shaw can fit holes as needed; for example, when Seiya Suzuki spent two weeks on the IL earlier this season, Shaw served as the primary right fielder. With the way the Cubs’ roster is currently constructed, Shaw could also be a back-up option at first base when he returns to the Majors.
The Cubs originally hoped that Shaw’s absence would be relatively short. But his recovery progressed slowly, particularly because he struggled to swing a bat at full speed, only recently increasing the volume and intensity of his swing. Shaw will likely require a run of game action in the Minors in order to build back up to full strength.
Veteran left-hander Hoby Milner also appeared in his seventh game on his rehab assignment, pitching a scoreless inning. Milner, who had a 3.53 ERA in 38 appearances with the Cubs this year, landed on the IL on June 27 with appendicitis. He allowed one hit and also recorded a strikeout in Wednesday’s relief outing.