The Chicago Cubs are getting a key piece of their lineup back ahead of their series opener against the Cincinnati Reds.
Hours before first pitch, the Cubs activated utility player Matt Shaw from the 10-day injured list, per Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network.
To make room for his return, Chicago is optioning outfielder Kevin Alcantara to Triple-A Iowa.
Shaw has missed nearly two months with a left-hand sprain he suffered while fouling off a pitch in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 28.
The 24-year-old was enjoying a much better season in his sophomore year, batting .246/.322/.415 with four home runs, 20 RBI and a .737 OPS.
Shaw will return to an outfield role, where he should see most of his starts against left-handed pitching. He has thrived in those matchups this season, posting an .845 OPS against southpaws. Shaw can also provide speed off the bench late in games.
However, the Cubs’ outfield looks a little different than it did when Shaw last played. Chicago added veteran Tyrone Taylor at the trade deadline, giving manager Craig Counsell another player who can fill a similar role.
Taylor has been a valuable late-game defensive replacement throughout his eight-year career while also providing speed off the bench. He can start against left-handers as well, owning an .880 OPS with five home runs against lefties this season.
Both players bring a very similar skill set to the Cubs. Even their speed is nearly identical, with Taylor narrowly edging Shaw in sprint speed at 29.2 feet per second compared to 29.0.
It will be interesting to see how Counsell divvies up playing time between the two when the situation calls for it.
Chicago currently sits comfortably in a playoff spot atop the NL wild-card standings. However, the surging Philadelphia Phillies have closed the gap to just two games.
Finishing with the NL’s top wild-card spot would give the Cubs home-field advantage in the opening round of the postseason.
With just 28 games remaining in the regular season, Chicago will look to build on its lead starting Friday with a three-game set against the Reds.
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