WATCH: Baez, Maddon discuss Baez's injury


by - Senior Writer -

A superb defensive play made by Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez in Sunday's contest between the Cubs and the Washington Nationals was overshadowed by the injury suffered by "Javy" on the play. After hurrying to field a softly hit grounder off the bat of Nationals pitcher Jeremy Hellickson in the bottom of the fourth, Baez appeared to twist his right ankle while firing a throw to first base.

Baez was able to throw Hellickson out in time, but he did not get to relish the web gem. Instead, Baez writhed in pain while lying on the infield grass. Cubs manager Joe Maddon joined a Cubs trainer on the field in examining Baez as he walked the injury off and performed some light jogging in an effort to remain in the game. Baez did remain in the game but only until he was removed as a precautionary measure prior to the start of the bottom half of the sixth.

Following the conclusion of the game, it was announced that, despite the twisting of the ankle, Baez's injury was that of a heel contusion. Baez discussed the ailment with the media during the postgame press session in the locker room and indicated that the tumble that he took after making the throw to first base was what caused the injury.

Baez said of the injury, "I just went too hard to the ground, and my heel kind of got jammed a little bit."

A heel bruise is obviously a much less concerning injury than an ankle sprain, so the diagnosis was likely a pleasant surprise for the Cubs. Baez told reporters that he had his heel iced down after exiting the game and has aspirations of playing in the Cubs' next matchup on Monday night.

"It depends on how it goes tonight," Baez said when asked about his chances of suiting up on Monday. "I'll be playing tomorrow, hopefully.

Maddon was also asked about the injury in his postgame media session, and he echoed Baez's sentiments in expressing his belief that the heel ailment is nothing to worry about and nothing that ice cannot take care of.

"I think he just got a little tight or stiffened up," Maddon said when asked why Baez was taken out of the game. "I said, 'Listen. Go get ice on it. I don't want it to be worse tomorrow.'"

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