Latest Cubs injuries and transactions
This page will be updated throughout the year with all the latest Cubs injury news and transactions.
LATEST INJURIES
INF Matt Shaw
Injury: Left oblique soreness
Expected return: March 2
Status: Shaw took live batting practice on March 1 and is expected to make his Cactus League debut on March 2. No decision has been made on his availability for the MLB Tokyo Series against the Dodgers. (updated March 1)
RHP Javier Assad
Injury: Mild left oblique strain
Expected return: After Opening Day
Status: Assad is progressing in his throwing program and could be scheduled for a bullpen session for the weekend of March 7-9. Assad is "doing great," per manager Craig Counsell, but he is expected to miss the start of the season. (updated March 1)
2B Nico Hoerner
Injury: Right flexor tendon
Expected return: Early 2025
Status: Hoerner (surgery on Oct. 11) has continued hitting in the cage and working through a throwing program. He will not make the trip to Japan in order to facilitate a return for the domestic season opener. (updated Feb. 27)
OF Owen Caissie
Injury: Left groin strain
Expected return: March/April
Status: Caissie is in a shut-down period (he estimated 10 days) after sustaining a groin strain. The Cubs are being cautious due to his ongoing comeback from core muscle surgery in October. (updated Feb. 22)
OF Brett Bateman
Injury: Right hamate surgery
Expected return: TBD
Status: Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Bateman (a non-roster invitee) is going to undergo hamate surgery on his right hand in Chicago. (updated Feb. 20)
RHP Brandon Birdsell
Injury: Right lat strain
Expected return: April
Status: Birdsell (Cubs prospect and non-roster invitee) is expected to be shut down for three to four weeks after an MRI revealed a Grade 1 strain of his right lat, per manager Craig Counsell. (Feb. 15)
LATEST TRANSACTIONS
March 1
• RHPs Gavin Hollowell, Caleb Kilian, Jack Neely and Cody Poteet optioned to Triple-A Iowa
• LHP Riley Martin returned to Minor League camp
Feb. 26
• OF Owen Caissie optioned to Triple-A Iowa
• OF Brett Bateman, RHP Brandon Birdsell and RHP Antonio Santos returned to Minor League camp
Feb. 24
• OF Alexander Canario traded to the Mets for cash considerations
Feb. 23
• OF Travis Jankowski signed to a Minor League contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training
Feb. 22
• OF Greg Allen signed to a Minor League contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training