The Chicago Cubs manager provided an update to the media on the injury status of three players, including a young pitcher.
Craig Counsell, the Chicago Cubs manager, presented injury reports on three players, including outfielder Ian Happ.
The updates were delivered to reporters, including those from the Chicago Tribune.
Happ, the Gold Glove left fielder who has been nursing a left hamstring issue, took batting practice on Tuesday as he works his way back into the lineup during spring training. He’s also been playing catch and has leapt high enough to make a clean grab.
Those are encouraging indicators as Happ prepares for Opening Day on March 28 in Arlington, Texas, against the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers.
Last season, Happ batted.248, with 21 home runs and 84 RBI. He’s a two-time Gold Glove winner and a 2022 National League all-star.
Nick Madrigal has been dealing with his own hamstring ailment and left Monday’s game with cramps. He received an MRI on Tuesday, which Counsell described as “precautionary.” Counsell said Madrigal has a history of hamstring difficulties, so the team is taking precautions.
Madrigal is one of a bunch of young Cubs competing for employment in spring training. He batted in 2023 and is coming off that season.263 with two home runs and 28 RBIs. He also stole a career-high ten bases.
Pitcher Caleb Kilian underwent an MRI on Tuesday due to shoulder soreness. While the Cubs did not have the findings when Counsell spoke with reporters, he did describe Kilian’s status as “concerning.”
Kilian left Monday’s game due to shoulder pain.
Kilian has struggled to establish himself in the Majors, appearing in only three games last season with a 0-1 record and a 16.88 ERA.
