Báez returns from hamstring injury Thursday vs. Braves originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
After missing the past three games with a hamstring injury, Javy Báez is back in the Cubs' starting lineup Thursday vs. Atlanta.
Báez is starting at shortstop and hitting fifth.
Báez, 28, hurt his left hamstring running the bases Sunday vs. Milwaukee. He stayed in the game but missed the past three games while undergoing treatment.
Cubs manager David Ross said Báez was moving well during pregame drills Wednesday and that he would take batting practice and ground balls. Báez was available to pinch hit Wednesday and Ross indicated he would start Thursday if he was feeling good.
Báez is off to a slow start this season, hitting .234/.272/.494 in 20 games, but he leads the Cubs in RBIs (17) and is tied for second in home runs (six).
Nico Hoerner, who has started at shortstop the last three games, is also in Thursday's lineup, hitting eighth and playing second base.
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