Injury To One Cub Has Counsell 'Concerned'

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell provided injury updates on three players, including outfielder Ian Happ.

The updates were conveyed to reporters, including from the Chicago Tribune.

Happ, the Gold Glove left fielder who has been nursing a left hamstring injury, took batting practice on Tuesday as he attempts to work his way back to the lineup in spring training. He’s also been playing catch and leapt high to make a catch without an issue.

Those are promising signs in terms of getting Happ ready for Opening Day, which is set for March 28 in Arlington, Texas, against the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers.

Happ batted .248 last season with 21 home runs and 84 RBI. He’s a two-time Gold Glove selection and a 2022 National League All-Star.

Nick Madrigal has been battling his own hamstring issue and left Monday’s game with some cramping. He underwent an MRI on Tuesday, something that Counsell termed as “precautionary.” Madrigal has a history of hamstring issues, Counsell said, so the team is being cautious.

Madrigal is part of a group of young Cubs that are fighting for jobs in spring training. He is coming off a 2023 season in which he batted .263 with two home runs and 28 RBI. He also stole a career-high 10 bases.

Pitcher Caleb Kilian had an MRI on Tuesday for shoulder discomfort. While the Cubs didn’t have the results when Counsell talked to reporters, he did call Kilian’s situation “concerning.”

Kilian left Monday’s game with shoulder soreness.

Kilian hasn’t been able to get a foothold in the Majors so far, as he pitched in just three games last season with an 0-1 record and a 16.88 ERA.