Nico Hoerner exits with neck tightness as Cubs continue their winning ways

AL EastBlue JaysOriolesRaysRed SoxYankeesAL CentralGuardiansRoyalsTigersTwinsWhite SoxAL WestAngelsAstrosAthleticsMarinersRangersNL EastBravesMarlinsMetsNationalsPhilliesNL CentralBrewersCardinalsCubsPiratesRedsNL WestDiamondbacksDodgersGiantsPadresRockiesScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsThe Windup NewsletterFantasyMLB ProspectsMLB OddsMLB PicksPower RankingsFans Speak UpMLB Season Nico Hoerner doubled and scored in the first inning but was removed in the bottom of the second. David Banks / Imagn Images Share articleCHICAGO — As the Chicago Cubs wait for the bullpen to get healthy, their position players have been carrying the load. But while nothing severe seems to be popping up, that group has been taking some dings of late as well. The most recent came in Friday’s 6-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks when Nico Hoerner was pinch hit for in the bottom of the second. It was later announced that Hoerner exited with “left-sided neck tightness.” Hoerner, who doubled to lead off the first inning, was shown on the local broadcast wincing in discomfort as he strolled into second. “Kind of left side of his neck, trap, tightened up right before the game as he was warming up,” manager Craig Counsell said. “It got worse on the swing and the run around the bases. He tried to go out there in the second, and he couldn’t throw, just couldn’t move his neck at all. It’s a muscle thing. We’ll see how he’s doing tomorrow. … It may be a day or two, but I think it’ll be fine after that.” Hoerner said he didn’t feel anything Thursday or Friday morning when he came to the park. When he was doing his normal preparation for the game, however, he felt it tighten up on him. “Got some good treatment and (will) see where we’re at tomorrow,” Hoerner said. “It’s not an injury. But kind of a thing that didn’t leave me in a place to be myself today.” The Cubs will hope it is nothing but a minor muscle issue that clears up quickly. Hoerner has always been an important part of the Cubs, but early this season, he has shown himself to be invaluable. After the first weekend of the season, the Cubs second baseman signed a six-year, $141 million extension. Almost immediately, it has proven to be a wise investment. Hoerner has a 136 wRC+ on the year and is showing more power than before with four home runs and nine doubles just a month into the season. According to FanGraphs, his 1.6 WAR has him tied for fifth in all of baseball. Even though Hoerner is showing more pop than before, he has always provided value in many different ways. Hoerner rarely strikes out and is a top-tier base runner. He’s viewed as a great teammate and one of the hardest workers in the game. He’s probably best known for his work with the glove. Hoerner is an elite defender at second who can also shift to shortstop when needed. During the Cubs’ recent road trip, Hoerner replaced Dansby Swanson there Tuesday and then started Wednesday after Swanson experienced cramping in his glute. Alex Bregman also recently missed time after getting hit by a pitch on his left foot. Hoerner isn’t expected to be sidelined for long with this ailment, but it’s just another in a long list of issues the Cubs must keep track of. Their bullpen, which has been waylaid by numerous injuries and at one point was missing its projected top three arms, is the team’s main concern. The front office is continuing to monitor the waiver wire while keeping tabs on arms in the minors to see if anyone can help through this rough patch. Even as the injuries pile up, the Cubs have been able to largely withstand the onslaught. Ben Brown helped them take a series in San Diego with some strong work out of the bullpen Wednesday. Jacob Webb worked two innings Friday to secure the opener at Wrigley against the Diamondbacks. After struggling and then hitting the injured list, Phil Maton worked a scoreless seventh Friday afternoon. His return to form, along with Daniel Palencia’s imminent return (he was scheduled to toss a rehab inning with Iowa on Friday night), is much needed for the bullpen. After a slow start to the season, the Cubs were able to rattle off a 10-game winning streak that ended just a week ago. And after Friday’s win, the team now sits at 20-12 on the season. A big part of their success has been their tremendous offense. It’s a deep and talented group. The team is so rich in position-player talent that Matt Shaw, who took over for Hoerner at second Friday, has been pushed to a super-utility role. After a solid rookie season, Shaw has thrived early this year, posting a 126 wRC+ while playing six different positions. “We’ve gotten a lot of production from that part of it,” Counsell said of his bench. “You’re going to need it — 162 games, things pop up, things happen. We’ve got guys that are gonna, for the most part, play every day. But things like today happen to Nico.” Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms