Injuries to star shortstop Javier Baez and his backup, Addison Russell, in the middle of the playoff chase had the Chicago Cubs looking awfully desperate Sunday. They called up top prospect Nico Hoerner from Double-A, having him join the pennant race instead of playing in the Arizona Fall League. Could Hoerner really help?
Well, in a word, yes. Hoerner went 3-for-4 on Monday night in the Cubs’ 10-2 rout of the San Diego Padres, proving that at least for one night, he’s absolutely Major League ready.
First @MLB hit for @nico_hoerner!#EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/YXQg2q8XL1
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 10, 2019
Quite a debut
Hoerner said he was sitting on his couch at home in Northern California after completing the season with Double-A Tennssee when he received the call from the Cubs. He packed his bags and flew south to San Diego to join the team.
About 24 hours later, Hoerner was making a nice play in the first inning to retire Nick Martini. Then he was fighting off an 0-2 pitch for a soft single to right field for his first MLB hit. A few innings later it got even better, with Hoerner tripling in two runs. He added a two-run single for good measure later in the game.
Hoerner became the first Cubs player since 1920 with three hits and four RBIs in his Major League debut.
“I didn’t know I’d get three hits today,” Hoerner said, according to ESPN.com. “You can’t expect a result like that every time, but I felt normal out there. I feel like I’m in a good place to help the team going forward.”
A message from @nico_hoerner:#EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/MTjDbHJOOx
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 10, 2019
More good news for South Siders
The Cubs also learned Monday that Baez might be able to return from the hairline fracture in his thumb if Chicago makes the playoffs.
After Monday’s win, the Cubs are two games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for the final playoff spot in the National League. They also trail the Cardinals by four games in the NL Central but have seven more games against rival St. Louis. So there are chances for them to make October yet.
Having Hoerner around apparently can’t hurt. He won’t have three hits every night, but he’s known as a solid defender and a disciplined hitter at the plate.
Nico Hoerner shouldn’t be viewed as a savior, but debut proves he can help Cubs reach Octoberhttps://t.co/rbl0ld3eYI
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) September 10, 2019
