Matt Shaw’s return to the Cubs couldn’t come at a better time

The Chicago Cubs acquired excellent news Monday afternoon, with infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw returning to the lineup. 

Based on ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Shaw will likely be activated on Tuesday following Monday’s off day, when the Cubs open a three-game collection with the Colorado Rockies. Shaw has been absent from the Cubs since mid-Could (Could 22) when he was positioned on the injured listing with mid-back tightness.  

Shaw was not performing nicely earlier than touchdown on the injured listing, batting .242 with a .691 OPS and was 1-for-his-last-22 in Could. That was the alternative whereas in Iowa, because the 24-year-old collected 4 hits in 14 at-bats. 

The Cubs getting Shaw again could not have come at a greater time, because the workforce and third baseman Alex Bregman are struggling. 

The Cubs might doubtlessly use Matt Shaw at third base with Alex Bregman struggling

Since Shaw has been out, the Cubs have been one of many worst groups in Main League Baseball. Of their final 15 video games, the Cubs are 5-10, rating twenty first in runs (50), slugging share (.388) and tied for fifth with their crosstown rival (the Chicago White Sox) for essentially the most strikeouts (113).

Among the many workforce struggling as an entire, their prime free agent signing, Bregman (seven years, $175 million), has been horrible in his first season as a Cub. The three-time All-Star is batting .243 (fifth-worst among the many starters) and has a .669 OPS (second-worst), however has performed a strong third base (seven defensive runs saved in 62 video games). 

Bregman’s struggles prompted the two-time World Collection winner to touch upon his poor play. 

“I have been horrible,” Bregman stated to Rogers. “I must play higher. Offensively, it has been terrible. I’ve failed many occasions on this sport. I’ve struggled. I’ve began sluggish earlier than. I’ve began quick earlier than. If you’re struggling, there is just one manner ahead and that is straight, head-on by it. It comes all the way down to executing within the sport.”

With Shaw again and Bregman struggling, Counsell might play Shaw a couple of video games at third base to get his bat within the lineup and Bregman a reset. A reset may very well be what Bregman must get himself again to hitting like a Silver Slugger. Shaw was the Cubs’ on a regular basis third baseman final season (124 video games, 114 begins) when Bregman signed with the Boston Crimson Sox.

Exterior of third, Shaw’s different outlet to play can be in proper area, which is the place Seiya Suzuki has been whereas Shaw’s been out. Pete Crow-Armstrong has gotten scorching, batting .350 with 5 residence runs within the final 15 video games, whereas Happ can be doing nicely (main the workforce in OPS, .832), blocking 2/3rds of the outfield.