CHICAGO – Cubs manager Craig Counsell referred to Nico Hoerner as the engine of the offense during the second baseman’s torrid start to this season. Given his importance to the lineup and defense, losing Hoerner for any amount of time would be detrimental.
Early in Friday’s game against the D-backs, the Cubs used caution when Hoerner developed tightness in the left side of his neck. The second baseman contributed a double and scored Chicago’s first run in the first inning, but he was replaced by Matt Shaw by the next frame.
Hoerner led off the first inning Friday by sending a pitch from D-backs righty Zac Gallen deep into the left-center-field gap at Wrigley Field for a double. As he hustled into second, Hoerner could be seen grimacing. He remained in the game and went on to score from third on a two-run opposite-field single from Michael Busch that sparked a three-run outburst in the frame.
Shaw – a super-utility player who offers depth for both the infield and outfield – pinch-hit for Hoerner in the second inning, and he also replaced him at second base.
In 32 games this season, Hoerner has hit at a .297 clip with four home runs, nine doubles and 26 RBIs. He was only the fourth player in the Wild Card Era (since 1994) to amass at least 25 RBIs and 35 hits in the first 30 games of a season for the Cubs. He also has 13 walks and only 14 strikeouts in 147 plate appearances while posting an .835 OPS.