Cubs News: Injury updates on Jake Arrieta, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner |
CHICAGO — With the Chicago Cubs currently missing several key players due to injury, a couple of notable North Siders are expected to alleviate their team's depth issues by returning to action on Friday. Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta and second baseman Nico Hoerner will be eligible to come off the 10-day injured list in time for the Cubs' tilt on Friday, and both are likely to do so.
Arrieta last pitched on Sunday, May 2, and has been on the IL due to a cut on the thumb of his throwing hand. Reportedly, if Arrieta's side session goes well on Wednesday, the righty will be in line to start on the mound in Friday's contest between the Cubs and Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Manager David Ross seemed optimistic about Arrieta's odds of pitching on Friday when talking with the media on Wednesday. The Cubs are off on Thursday. Hoerner also has a good chance of playing in Detroit on Friday. Like Arrieta, his last appearance came on May 2, when he and center fielder Ian Happ collided in the outfield while pursuing a popup. Happ was carted off the field and has not played since, while Hoerner remained in the game but wound up on the IL with a forearm injury caused by him slamming into Hoerner's face. Although Hoerner has been fielding ground balls recently and is set to be activated for the Cubs-Tigers series, Happ is progressing slower than Hoerner. The outfielder was woozy in the wake of the collision, but a rib injury suffered by Hoerner's knee ramming into his torso is what resulted in Happ being placed on the IL. Happ is unlikely to play on Friday, and, as of now, there is no specific timetable for his return. Arrieta (cut on thumb), Hoerner (forearm) expected to return from IL when eligible Friday, Ross said. Cubs Hope Jake Arrieta can pitch on Friday but his side session today will determine his readiness. Nico Hoerner also progressing for a return this weekend. Ian Happ a tad behind.
Happ (ribs) not likely Friday.#Cubs
