An MRI on Tuesday confirmed that Chicago Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler has suffered a strained hamstring and is headed to the disabled list, CSN Chicago’s Patrick Mooney reported.
Continue for updates.
Soler Facing Considerable Absence
Tuesday, June 7
The Chicago Tribune‘s Mark Gonzales added that Soler will “likely” be sidelined for more than 15 days, though the extent of the strain has not been disclosed.
Soler suffered the injury during Monday’s 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in the third inning while running out a single he hit down the left field line.
If Gonzales’ speculation is correct, this will be another large blow to the Cubs outfield, which already lost its power-hitting left fielder in Kyle Schwarber for the season because of a torn ACL and LCL. Soler was Schwarber’s replacement in left field when the 23-year-old went down.
In 50 games this season, Soler batted .223 with five home runs and 13 RBI. However, he has seen an improvement in his game lately, batting .318 in his past 17 games, per ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick.
At 24 years old, he is just one of the numerous young players the Cubs have used to build a powerhouse in the National League.
Heading into Tuesday night, Chicago has the best record in baseball at 40-16 thanks to the likes of 24-year-old Kris Bryant, 22-year-old Addison Russell and 26-year-old Anthony Rizzo, among others. Not to mention excellent pitching headlined by reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta.
Now with Soler out, the Cubs have activated Albert Almora, per Mooney. MLB.com ranked Almora as the Cubs’ fifth-best prospect.
However, he is not in Chicago’s starting lineup for Tuesday night’s game against Philly. Starting third baseman Bryant is moving to left field, according to Baseball Press. Matt Szczur will also likely see an increase in playing time with Soler shelved.
This is a team that’s looked downright unstoppable this season, and given the young depth the Cubs have, they shouldn’t have a problem sustaining their high level of play.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.
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