Craig Counsell gives Nico Hoerner update, says outfielder could return this weekend originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
Chicago puppies field player Nico Hoerner is out of the lineup for the third straight game on Thursday, but manager Craig Counsell said progress has been made toward bringing him back into the lineup.
Hoerner, batting .269 with two home runs and 12 RBI so far this season, was eliminated from the Cubs’ lineup Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves after feeling tightness in his left hamstring. He then missed the series finale and will be out Thursday when the Cubs open a four-game set against the Atlanta Braves.
Speaking to the media before Thursday’s game, Counsell said Hoerner is “feeling better” and there is a chance he could return to the team on Friday.
“Nico will go through a more regular pre-game today and run around. He’s feeling better today. If we get good information on it, hopefully it will be there tomorrow,” he said.
Counsell said the team is playing cautiously with Hoerner after he was dealing with hamstring cramps during a recent series against the Pirates at PNC Park.
The timing of the illness is unfortunate for Chicago, as the shortstop Dansby Swanson was placed on the injured list after dealing with a knee issue. With Hoerner also on the shelf, the Cubs have been counting on Miles Mastrobuoni to occupy the shortstop position.
He has one hit and two walks in two games at shortstop in Hoerner’s absence, and will return to the starting lineup on Thursday against Pittsburgh.
