.jpg)
5 hours ago
1
The Chicago Cubs are making a big move.
The team is reportedly recalling top prospect Matt Shaw, per Jon Heyman.
Shaw was sent down to Triple-A Iowa in April after slashing just .172/.294/.241 in 18 games with Chicago.
The Cubs are currently 28-19 and lead the NL Central by two games, but the third-base position has been the main weakness offensively and defensively.
Manager Craig Counsell has started five different players at third base this season, with Shaw beginning the season as the starter, but his offensive struggles forced the Cubs to send him down to regain confidence and change his batting stance.
The Cubs didn’t want Shaw to change the mechanics that got him to where he is, but a slight tweak to his massive leg kick was expected. They did the same thing with Pete Crow-Armstrong and Miguel Amaya, who have had much more success in the big leagues since eliminating their big leg kicks.
It took a little bit of time for Shaw to adjust, but since making this change, he has a .969 OPS with six home runs and 14 RBI.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
It is unknown if Shaw will be in the lineup on Monday for the opener in Miami, but he is expected to become the starter considering the lack of success from veterans Jon Berti, Vidal Brujan, Justin Turner and Nicky Lopez.
More MLB: Phillies GM offers trade update after Jose Alvarado news
English (US)