Alfonso Soriano Injured; Another Call-Up?

At some point, the Cubs may appear on the popular Fox television show “House”. This season–more specifically the month of May–the Cubs have been riddled with injuries.While a team never wants to use injuries as an excuse for their poor play, at some point it should be a viable explanation for the Cubs this season as to why they have struggled in the months of April and May. We have been over the list of injuries numerous times already this season, but that list is constantly increasing. What started as just Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner has turned into a list that included Geovany Soto, Matt Garza, Marlon Byrd, Reed Johnson, and Jeff Baker at different points this season.

By the time the Cubs complete their game against the Houston Astros, they may have yet another addition to their crowded disabled list.

During the game today, Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano was running out a ground ball when he came up short after being called out. Soriano did not attempt to go out to the field the next inning, as he was immediately replaced by Blake DeWitt. Reports are that Soriano suffered a strained left quadricep.

Of course, more details are sure to come out after the game when manager Mike Quade addresses the media, but that has not stopped the speculation already that Soriano may be headed for the disabled list. If Soriano is headed for disabled list, the Cubs would then have to–once again–pluck away from their Minor League system.

Many of the Cubs beat reporters are already suggesting that Brett Jackson could be called up if Soriano is placed on the disabled list. That does not seem like a realistic option. Jackson was activated from the disabled list today after suffering a hand injury that kept out for two weeks. Instead of Jackson becoming reacclimated with playing every day at the Major League level, it would make more sense for Jackson to get some starts at the Double A or Triple A level in order to get back in the trend of playing everyday. Once Jackson is back to playing on a consistent basis, that is when the Cubs may decide to promote him to the big league team.

The other option would be Tyler Colvin. After Marlon Byrd went down, Colvin figured to be an ideal option to return to the Major Leagues. Then Reed Johnson went on the disabled, and once again Colvin appeared to be a logical option to receive the call up. But, Colvin remains in Triple A-Iowa. Now, if Soriano is indeed out for an extended amount of time it will be hard for general manager Jim Hendry and manager Mike Quade to avoid bringing Colvin back to the MajorLeague level. Colvin is hitting .267/.292/.533/.825 with a home run and 8 RBIs in 11 games with the Iowa Cubs. Colvin would be able to start on a regular basis in left field if Soriano lands on the disabled situation. After all, Colvin was demoted because he could receive playing time at the Major League level.