The Chicago Cubs received an encouraging news update on injured infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw before a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies beginning on Tuesday, June 9.
Shaw is expected to return to the big-league club for the first game of the Rockies series, reports Jesse Rogers of ESPN. The utilityman has been working his way through a back injury. Shaw began a rehab assignment last week. He went 4-for-14 in four games at Triple-A Iowa.
The 24-year-old Shaw opened the 2026 campaign as Chicago’s primary right fielder. He’s also spent time at first base, second base, and third base. Shaw delivered modest production at the plate through 42 games, recording a 94 wRC+ with three homers and three stolen bases.
Chicago Cubs News Update: Matt Shaw to Return Against the Colorado Rockies
Shaw had not appeared in the outfield as a professional before taking over in right this season. A spring injury to Seiya Suzuki opened up the spot. Shaw has held his own in the grass, posting 1 Defensive Runs Saved across 121 innings split between all three outfield spots.
Suzuki’s return from the injured list bumped Shaw back into a utility role. He’s picked up starts at every infield position except shortstop. The Cubs have four players locked into roles on the dirt. Nico Hoerner plays nearly every day at second base. Dansby Swanson handles the majority of the reps at shortstop. Offseason acquisition Alex Bregman, who signed a massive five-year, $175 million contract over the winter, has been a mainstay at third base. Michael Busch has typically platooned at first base, but he’s earned more regular playing time against left-handed pitching this season.
Shaw will likely step into a super utility role. He should see a handful of starts each week, spelling each of Busch, Swanson, and Hoerner. He could also chip in at DH, particularly against lefties. Chicago’s primary designated hitters, Michael Conforto and Moises Ballesteros, are both left-handed. The right-handed Shaw has hit left-handed pitching much better than same-handed arms in his brief MLB career. He has a .807 OPS against lefties compared to a .639 mark vs. righties.
Who Gets Sent Down With Shaw Coming Back?
The report from Rogers does not include a corresponding move. Someone will be bumped off the roster with Shaw coming back. Among the players with minor league options, Suzuki, Busch, and Pete Crow-Armstrong are obviously not in consideration. The more reasonable candidates are Ballesteros, Pedro Ramirez, and Kevin Alcantara.
Ballesteros has cooled down after a hot start, but he’s still delivered better-than-league-average production at the plate. He also provides some roster flexibility since he can slot in behind the plate. Alcantara is 1-for-9 in limited action. He’s yet to deliver on his lofty prospect pedigree in the majors, though he’s hardly received an opportunity. Alcantara has amassed just 32 plate appearances in parts of three seasons in the big leagues.
Ramirez earned his first call-up after a torrid start in Triple-A. The infielder put together a .312/.395/.547 slash line with nine home runs and 19 steals with Iowa. He’s 5-for-22 in the majors so far.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Cubs Get Matt Shaw News Ahead of Rockies Series appeared first on HEAVY.