Prospect Soler expected to miss Minor League season

CHICAGO -- Cubs' No. 3 prospect Jorge Soler, sidelined since June 14 with a stress fracture in his left tibia, most likely will not rejoin Class A Daytona this season, but he still could play in the Arizona Fall League.

Soler, 21, was examined Monday in Mesa, Ariz., where he is rehabbing, and the test results were sent to Chicago. Theo Epstein, president of baseball operations, said the early reports show that Soler still needs time to heal and his leg will remain in a boot.

The Arizona Fall League begins Oct. 8.

"The Fall League is still very much a possibility," Epstein said. "The Minor League season is looking like it might not happen at this point."

When injured, Soler was expected to be sidelined four to six weeks. The Cuban outfielder was batting .281 with eight home runs, 13 doubles, one triple and 35 RBIs in 55 games with Daytona. He apparently fouled a ball off his left shin in Spring Training, and the injury flared up before the Florida State League All-Star Game.