REPORT: Cubs top rookie has been called up

Joe Camporeale - USA Today Sports

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Monday, September 09 2019

The Chicago Cubs are calling up top rookie Nico Hoerner before Monday night's ball-game against the San Diego Padres according to multiple reports.

The Double-A Tennessee shortstop will help with depth at shortstop since the injuries with Javy Baez (fractured thumb) and Addison Russell (concussion protocol).

The 22-year old hit .284 (117 wRC+) with a .344 on-base percentage and .399 slugging percentage (.743 OPS) in 70 games in the minors this season. He saw 40 starts at shortstop and also spent time at second base and center field.

Since he is not on the Cubs' 40-man roster, the Cubs will have to make move to make room for him. Also, because he was not on the MLB roster before Sept. 1, he will not be eligible for any postseason play if the Cubs make it.

Hoerner was the Cubs' first-round pick in 2018 out of Stanford.

ML debut tonight pic.twitter.com/sDgFg581hx
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 10, 2019

Nico Hoerner was out from late April-late June due to a hairline fracture in his left wrist (the result of a HBP on April 23).

He hit .229/.267/.349 in 116 PA in July, but then .321/.378/.376 in 119 PA from Aug. 1-on.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 9, 2019

Nico Hoerner is now here to save the season. All according to plan I’m sure pic.twitter.com/mPKQz0ehE2
— Carl (@barstoolcarl) September 9, 2019

The #Cubs call up No. 1 prospect Nico Hoerner @nico_hoerner today after Baez and Russell injuries.

W/@smokiesbaseball (Double-A) He batted .284, in August he hit .333. Expect quality defense plus solid at-bats. Not a home run threat yet but get’s on base. #Everybodyin
— Mick Gillispie (@BroadcasterMick) September 9, 2019