The Chicago Cubs entered Saturday off a three-game win streak with a 20-12 record for first in the National League Central. Second baseman Nico Hoerner has become one of the Cubs' best hitters this season.
Hoerner is slashing .297/.374/.461 with an .835 OPS. He leads the team with 38 hits, 26 RBIs, six stolen bases, a .297 batting average and a .374 on-base percentage. His defense also ranks among the best on the team, with only one error made in 249 innings this season.
Knowing how much his skills contribute to the team, the Cubs locked Hoerner in through 2032, offering him a six-year, $141 million extension that he signed just before opening day.
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After Hoener exited from Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks with left-sided neck tightness, the team kept him off Saturday’s lineup as well. Utility man Matt Shaw has since taken over for Hoerner at second.
The 28-year-old is still dealing with neck tightness; however, it doesn’t sound like Hoerner will be out of the lineup much longer (h/t Marquee Sports Network's Taylor McGregor).
It's paramount for Chicago to get their infielder in as many games as possible, as losing out on his offense and defense in even one game hurts their chances of winning.
As the Cubs enter May tied with the Cincinnati Reds at 20-12 atop the National League Central, Hoerner makes a strong case as their most indispensable player. With Counsell's club chasing a division title, getting him back in the lineup sooner rather than later is a priority.
