Chicago Cubs top prospect Nico Hoerner will make his MLB debut on Monday night, as he will play shortstop in the team's opener against the San Diego Padres.
Hoerner, the team's first round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, has appeared in 75 minor league games this season, hitting three home runs and driving in 22 runs with the Cubs' Double-A team in Tennessee.
The shortstop will bat sixth in the Cubs' lineup as they try to snap a three-game losing streak.
His call-up was first reported by Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune and later by MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
To make room for Hoerner on the active roster, the Cubs designated left-handed pitcher Randy Rosario for assignment.
The team also recalled pitcher James Norwood from Triple-A, and optioned Adbert Alzolay to Single-A South Bend as the club continues its playoff run in the minor leagues.
Hoerner's call-up is a much-needed boost to the Cubs, as their lineup has been hammered with injuries in recent days. Javier Báez has been out since Sept. 1 with a hairline fracture in his thumb, and he could potentially miss the remainder of the season with the injury.
Chicago Baseball
Báez was slated to meet with a hand specialist prior to Monday's game, but no update has been provided on his injury.
On Sunday, Addison Russell was hit in the face by a pitch, and is currently being examined for concussion symptoms.
The injuries leave the Cubs woefully thin at shortstop, with David Bote, Ian Happ, and Tony Kemp all potential options. None of them have extensive experience at the position, leaving Hoerner as the likely recipient of plenty of playing time when he joins the team.
The Cubs will play the San Diego Padres on Monday night, with first pitch scheduled for 9:10 p.m.
