Right-hander Jake Arrieta is expected to start on the bump for the Cubs on Friday. (Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports)
Right-hander Jake Arrieta is expected to start on the bump for the Cubs on Friday. (Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports)

Cubs News: Injury updates on Jake Arrieta, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner


by - Senior Writer -

CHICAGO — With the Chicago Cubs currently missing several key players due to injury, a couple of notable North Siders are expected to alleviate their team's depth issues by returning to action on Friday. Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta and second baseman Nico Hoerner will be eligible to come off the 10-day injured list in time for the Cubs' tilt on Friday, and both are likely to do so.

Arrieta last pitched on Sunday, May 2, and has been on the IL due to a cut on the thumb of his throwing hand. Reportedly, if Arrieta's side session goes well on Wednesday, the righty will be in line to start on the mound in Friday's contest between the Cubs and Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Manager David Ross seemed optimistic about Arrieta's odds of pitching on Friday when talking with the media on Wednesday. The Cubs are off on Thursday.

Hoerner also has a good chance of playing in Detroit on Friday. Like Arrieta, his last appearance came on May 2, when he and center fielder Ian Happ collided in the outfield while pursuing a popup. Happ was carted off the field and has not played since, while Hoerner remained in the game but wound up on the IL with a forearm injury caused by him slamming into Hoerner's face.

Although Hoerner has been fielding ground balls recently and is set to be activated for the Cubs-Tigers series, Happ is progressing slower than Hoerner. The outfielder was woozy in the wake of the collision, but a rib injury suffered by Hoerner's knee ramming into his torso is what resulted in Happ being placed on the IL. Happ is unlikely to play on Friday, and, as of now, there is no specific timetable for his return.

Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to Cole Little: Email | Comment
Post your comments!