WATCH: Craig Counsell shares injury updates on Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw |
Tony Crumpton
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- 3 hours ago
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell spoke before the game to discuss the impact of Justin Turner on the roster, updates on both Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw and much more.
“This is a good news situation,” Counsell said. “For Nico, it is not necessarily good news in that he has to miss two games and has to miss the trip. But on the other side of it, it is good news, because we are very much tracking toward domestic Opening Day of him being ready for that and prepared for that.” Hoerner's rehab has been going really well. “His rehab has taken a step forward in the last three weeks,” Counsell said. “He is starting to progress quicker. We’re in a really good spot, and if we can have him for domestic Opening Day, going back to the surgery date, it would be a very positive result.” Counsell shared his reasoning for not taking Hoerner on the trip to Japan. “He needs at-bats,” Counsell said. “He needs to play. At that point, he needs to be a baseball player, and the trip just does not allow for him to do that in the proper way. There is just not enough time when we get back to say, ‘OK, you’re going to play in three games and get ready for the regular season.’” Watch the interview below:
Video summaries/cliff-notes:
(00:00) Craig Counsell discusses Justin Turner's value beyond being a bat off the bench, highlighting his advanced feel for the game and instincts.
(01:17) Nico Hoerner will not travel to Japan, but his recovery is progressing well, with expectations that he will be ready for domestic Opening Day.
(02:00) Hoerner's rehab has taken significant steps forward in the last few weeks, making his absence from the Japan trip a strategic decision to ensure his readiness.
(02:39) His exclusion from the Japan roster does not impact the team’s active player count; he will continue getting at-bats stateside.
(03:27) The schedule does not allow Hoerner to properly prepare in Japan, so staying back is the best option for his full recovery.
(04:04) Matt Shaw is trending toward playing in games soon, possibly as early as Sunday, with no final decisions yet on his status.
(05:12) Counsell praises the Cactus League for its accessibility, strong fan base, and logistical advantages over other spring training setups.
(06:30) The Cubs have strong starting pitching depth, which Counsell acknowledges is critical since acquiring starters mid-season is challenging.
(07:08) While some tough roster decisions lie ahead, the team is in a good position with its pitching depth.
(08:41) With Hoerner missing only two games, there is no major change in workload for other second basemen like Bruján and Berti.
