.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
It's not a good sign when a leadoff hitter doesn't take his second at bat of the game.
That's what happened to the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon. Nico Hoerner batted in the bottom of the first and eventually came around to score.
When it was his turn again, Matt Shaw pinch-hit for Hoerner in the top spot of the order, ending the day for the second baseman.
It wasn't obvious when Hoerner had gotten injured, because he had stayed in the game defensively after his first at bat.
But something clearly had gone down.
MORE: How son Justin Crawford made history like his father, Carl, with Don Mattingly
What happened to Nico Hoerner?
The Cubs broadcast on Marquee Sports didn't have immediate information, just that Shaw was hitting for Hoerner unexpectedly in the bottom of the second inning.
They did find a clip of Hoerner running the bases in the first inning in which he seemed to have a little grimace on his face during part of his movement, but it wasn't obvious there what he may or may not have done.
The Cubs in the next half inning provided info on the broadcast that Hoerner had left the game with "left-sided neck tightness."
They're in good shape in one sense because the versatile Shaw has hit well this season and proven capable of playing a lot of different positions, so he slots in for Hoerner in the short term.
The hope will be that it's not a long-term issue for Hoerner, because he remains one of the Cubs' top players and has generally been ultra-reliable.
English (US)