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Top prospect Baez out with thumb fracture

CHICAGO -- Top prospect Javier Baez has a non-displaced fracture of the tip of his right thumb, but was expected to be ready to go in Spring Training, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said on Thursday.

Baez was playing in the Arizona Fall League when he was injured last Friday, apparently while giving someone a celebratory high-five. Infielder Logan Watkins, who played for Double-A Tennessee, was added to the Mesa Solar Sox roster to take Baez's spot.

"It is unfortunate," Hoyer said. "[Baez] had some really good moments in the fall league and also had some really good learning moments."

Brian Harper, who is a hitting coach for the Solar Sox after serving as the manager at Tennessee, kept Hoyer updated on Baez's progress in the AFL with daily reports, saying the shortstop had made good adjustments.

"That's the real shame of it -- [Baez] played plenty of games this year," Hoyer said. "To be a young player in the fall league and having to make adjustments was really good for him. The injury won't hinder anything going forward."

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