CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have activated Matt Shaw from the 10-day injured list, restoring the versatile infielder to the super-utility role that strengthens the team’s bench and gives manager Craig Counsell more options during games.
Shaw returned before Friday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field after recovering from a persistent left hand injury. To make room on the active roster, the Cubs optioned outfielder Kevin Alcántara to Triple-A Iowa.
“He just makes the roster better,” Counsell said of Shaw.
Shaw recently began making progress while building back up to facing live pitching. He completed a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa, appearing in five games and batting .316 (6-for-19). He also played in back-to-back games Tuesday and Wednesday without experiencing lingering pain.
“I finally could get the full-effort swings,” Shaw said. “I don’t really know why it happened. It was a normal swing that it ended up getting hurt on, so it’s one of those things where I’ve just got to keep strengthening it, put it in a good place and go out there and play. I can’t worry about fluke injuries like that. I’ve just got to keep playing.”
Shaw is batting .246/.322/.415 with four home runs, 20 RBIs, a .737 OPS and a 104 OPS+ in 56 games for the Cubs this season. After serving as Chicago’s primary third baseman as a rookie last year, he has moved around the infield and added the outfield to his responsibilities this season. Shaw posted an .899 OPS in the 12 games before his injury.
Matt Shaw returns to Cubs’ super-utility role
Counsell said Shaw will resume his role as a super sub while making occasional starts, particularly against left-handed pitching. His versatility can give Chicago’s regular infielders and outfielders rest while also providing a late-game option as a pinch-runner, pinch-hitter or defensive replacement.
“Matt does a bunch of things well,” Counsell said. “You don’t know which game you’re going to run into that situation [where you need a late-game replacement]. Frankly, most games you don’t with our roster. But, there’s going to be some days where we do run into it and he’s valuable when he’s on the bench.”
Latest Cubs injury updates
- SS Dansby Swanson: Swanson remained in Chicago to focus on his rehabilitation from a left oblique injury and went through defensive work at shortstop before Friday’s game against the Reds. Counsell said Swanson remains on schedule after being placed on the 10-day injured list on Aug. 17.
- RHP Edward Cabrera: Cabrera, who is on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his right middle finger, threw a bullpen session Tuesday and faced hitters during a live batting-practice workout Friday. A Minor League rehab assignment is likely to follow, and Cabrera is expected to return as a reliever.
- RHP Ben Brown: Counsell said the Cubs are still “gathering opinions” regarding Brown’s recent setback. The team’s timeline for his potential return will remain on hold until more information is available.
