DENVER – When the Cubs began this season with Matt Shaw in a versatile utility role, it helped manager Craig Counsell with his in-game maneuvering and played a part in Chicago having a deep and productive reserve group.
On Tuesday, the Cubs activated Shaw from the 15-day injured list and plan on having him in “largely a similar role,” according to Counsell. In order to add Shaw back to the active roster, the North Siders optioned outfielder Kevin Alcántara to Triple-A Iowa in a series of moves ahead of the opener of a three-game set against the Rockies.
Before rejoining the Cubs, Shaw had a four-game stint with Triple-A Iowa to get regular at-bats.
“It was really, really nice,” Shaw said. “Obviously it’s been a while since I got a few days in a row of consistent at-bats. It was very enjoyable. … I’m ready to help in any way I can. Whatever that kind of looks like, whenever that kind of manifests into – it could be some of those late-inning pinch-running situations – I look forward to those.”
Shaw, who had been on the IL with back tightness since May 22, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on June 2. The 24-year-old was struggling before his IL stint, starting off May 1-for-22 (.045) after producing a .301/.342/.507 slash with three homers and 10 RBIs over his first 28 games this season.
A former top prospect, Shaw was the Cubs’ starting third baseman for much of his 2025 rookie campaign, but he’s moved into a utility role after the team signed Alex Bregman in free agency during the offseason to man the hot corner.
Shaw has played every position besides pitcher, catcher and shortstop in 2026, though he’s started only 23 of the 42 games in which he’s appeared. During his rehab stay with Iowa, he played center field and first base.