Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner won’t be going to Japan for the season-opening Tokyo Series against the Dodgers. The decision is to make sure he’s ready for the regular season and he’s still rehabbing from his right forearm flexor tendon surgery. Here’s what you need to know and how it affects the Cubs.
Why Hoerner Is Staying Behind?
Hoerner had surgery on October 11, 2023 and while he’s progressing well, he’s limited in Spring Training. The Cubs feel he’s best staying behind.
Manager Craig Counsell emphasized that this is a positive development overall. “We are very much tracking toward domestic Opening Day of him being ready for that and prepared for that,” Counsell said. “His rehab has taken a step forward in the last three weeks. We’re in a really good spot.”
The Cubs open their regular season on March 27 against the Diamondbacks in Arizona, and the goal is to have Hoerner fully healthy by then.
The Japan Trip
The Cubs play the Dodgers in a two-game series in Tokyo on March 18-19. That will take 10 days out of Spring Training and Hoerner won’t get the at-bats and reps he needs to be ready for the season.
“He needs at-bats. He needs to play,” Counsell said. “The trip just doesn’t allow him to do that in the right way.”
Instead of rushing Hoerner back, the Cubs are prioritizing his long-term health and readiness for the 162 game season.
Who Steps In at Second Base?
With Hoerner out for the Japan series, the Cubs will go with Vidal Brujan and Jon Berti at second base. Both will get to play in front of an international crowd.
What About Matt Strahm?
Third baseman Matt Strahm who suffered an oblique on February 5 is also a question mark for the Japan trip. Strahm is scheduled to see live pitching for the first time on Saturday and could make his Cactus League debut on Sunday.
“Nothing is off the table with Matt,” Counsell said.
Hoerner’s Importance to the Cubs
Hoerner has been the Cubs’ best player over the last two seasons. In 2023-24 he had a 12.8 WAR (per FanGraphs) with 26 home runs and 94 stolen bases. He’s been one of the best defensive second basemen in the league (8th in the MLB with a +38 OAA over that span) and won a Gold Glove in 2023. Hoerner’s health is key to the Cubs and they’re not taking any chances with his recovery.
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