The versatile utility specialist is ramping up his rehab assignment in Triple-A, signaling a swift return to Chicago’s bench as the club’s injury-plagued roster finally nears full strength.
The Chicago Cubs are getting healthier.
The Cubs should be getting back several key players within the next week. Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, and Matt Shaw are all making significant progress from their respective injuries.
Cabrera is set to be activated from the 15-day injured list on Saturday after dealing with a blister issue. Boyd is set to make his final rehab assignment outing this weekend at Triple-A Iowa, and Shaw recently began a rehab assignment with the Iowa Cubs.
Shaw first landed on the 10-day IL back on May 22 (retroactive to May 20) due to some back tightness. After a week's worth of back treatment, the Cubs then sent the utility specialist on a rehab assignment at Triple-A on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old batted second and started in center field for the Iowa Cubs in Tuesday’s game. He had a few fly balls hit to him in his first appearance back from his back injury and played six full innings before departing in the top of the seventh inning.
Shaw went 0-for-3 in this game, with two of those at-bats coming against future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. He flew out to left field in his first at-bat, hit a weak grounder to short in his second at-bat, and hit a 99 mph rocket for an out to center field in his third plate appearance.
Shaw started again for the Iowa Cubs on Wednesday, batting second and serving as the team’s designated hitter. He went 2-for-4 in his second rehab assignment game.
It shouldn’t be long before the Cubs activate Shaw from the 10-day injured list. He won’t need to play in many more rehab assignment games and could be activated within the next few days. Once he is healthy enough, he will return to his usual utility role off the bench.
Shaw really struggled in the month of May before his back issue landed him on the IL. He had just one hit across 24 at-bats (.045 batting average) to go with two RBI, one stolen base, one walk, and four strikeouts.
The young hitter also didn’t see consistent playing time during the month. Shaw only started five games for the Cubs in May and came on as a pinch-hitter or pinch-runner in nine other contests. His lack of playing time hasn’t helped him get into a groove at the plate.
When the Cubs do eventually activate Shaw from the IL, they will have to clear a roster spot for him. Chicago will send down either Kevin Alcantara or Pedro Ramirez as a corresponding move.
Of the two, Ramirez could be the odd man out. He has played in only five contests since being called up on May 22 and has not started a game since May 25. The Cubs would no longer need Ramirez as a backup infielder since Shaw would be back.
