Top Cubs pitching prospect Adbert Alzolay made his first start of 2019, as he pitched in a rehab start with Myrtle Beach on Sunday. The right-hander has dealt with a few injuries since 2018, which forced him to miss the majority of last year and delayed his 2019 season.
The results weren’t great for Alzolay, but the most important part was just seeing him back in action after his long absence.
So, Alzolay’s return is a positive sign, but unfortunately there hasn’t been much news about Nico Hoerner.
The shortstop prospect last played on April 23, when he was hit on the hand. He was put on the seven-day injured list, but at the time it didn’t seem like a serious issue and was expected back after the week of being sidelined.
Well, it’s been nearly three weeks since Hoerner played and there haven’t been any further updates. Not ideal, but maybe not time to panic…yet.
Before Saturday’s game against the Brewers, the Cubs put righty Allen Webster on injured list. Left-hander Xavier Cedeño is now in the Cubs bullpen. Cedeño made his Cubs debut, but it didn’t last long, as he walked Christian Yelich on Saturday and was then taken out.
Meanwhile catcher Victor Caratini played in his second game with the Iowa Cubs on Sunday and went 0-for-4, as he’s rehabbing from his hamate injury in early April.
Caratini had surgery on April 15. Taylor Davis is currently filling in for him as the backup catcher to Willson Contreras.
And finally for Sunday night’s series finale against the Brewers, the Cubs will be without Anthony Rizzo. Kris Bryant is making the start at first base, as Rizzo is day-to-day with back tightness.
Just something that pops up at least one time per year. Hopefully a few days off is enough for Rizzo to get back in the lineup.
Here’s the starting lineup, with Jon Lester on the mound against the Brewers.
The Cubs are currently one game ahead of the Brewers in the division.
