NEWSLETTER
There’s no way to spin this one, though we’ll wait for the official word. Nico Hoerner, rehabbing his oblique, was making his first game appearance at South Bend today. In one of his at bats, he took a swing, and then immediately walked off the field.
This can’t be good:
Here is the swing. Slider gets him swinging over the top. Immediately leaves the box and looks frustrated https://t.co/Mu9Fdvm5GO pic.twitter.com/ZuQHKxU2Bk
— Caleb Webb (@calebgwebb) August 22, 2021
Given the way the body’s rotation implicates the oblique, it can be an injury that takes a very long time to rehab, and it is highly susceptible to aggravations. The plan had been for Hoerner to go to Iowa on Tuesday, play maybe another game or three, and then come up to be the Cubs’ everyday shortstop the rest of the season.
We’ll find out more when we find out. Sigh.
UPDATE: The official word is just “tension,” but if Hoerner knew well enough to shut it down, you can bet a whole lot of rest is coming:
Nico Hoerner left his rehab game in South Bend mid-at-bat today after swinging through a pitch. According to the Cubs, he felt "increased tension along his right oblique" so he decided not to push it. They'll reassess tomorrow.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) August 22, 2021
I guess I’ll let myself be optimistic that he could still be back this season.
