Javier Baez Headed Back to the Cubs, Off DL

Javier Baez, who was on the DL for an injured thumb, has reportedly been called back up to the Chicago Cubs thereby ending his rehab assignment with AAA Iowa. Javier played in four games with Iowa and hit .267 with an RBI, a home run and a stolen base.

Baez played in a game on Thursday for the Iowa Cubs and went 2 for 4 with one run scored. Joe must have liked we he saw because he’s pulling Baez back to the team a little earlier than he originally indicated, which would’ve been after 20 at-bats. He ended with fifteen at-bats with Iowa.

Munenori Kawasaki will likely be headed back to Iowa to make room for Javier on the 25-man roster.

While Javier’s return is certainly good news, it will be interesting to see how Joe chooses to use him. One option is for him to platoon in the outfield with Soler. They’re both right-handed so it’s not entirely clear how Joe would manage a platoon situation between them. He’ll surely be called in to pinch hit off the bench occasionally as well.

For now, this is a situation that we’ll monitor and update you once we hear more news.