Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Jorge Soler close to returning

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder

against the West during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

According to MLB.com Chicago Cubs beat writer Carrie Muskat, outfield prospect Jorge Soler is close to rejoining the club’s Double-A affiliate after appearing in some extended Spring Training games as he rehabs from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him through the season’s first month.

Last season with the Florida State League champion Daytona Cubs, the now-22-year-old Soler slashed .281/.343/.467 in 55 games, in which he tallied eight long-balls and 35 RBIs to go along with his 13 doubles. He played with the big league club this spring in Mesa, and is expected to be a major contributor at the Major League level in years to come.

Tennessee entered play on Tuesday afternoon with a 17-14 clip and a roster that would make any Cubs fan drool in anticipation. Soler will shortly join the likes of Kris Bryant, Dustin Geiger, C.J. Edwards and Pierce Johnson as the club looks to replicate the success this group had with Daytona in 2013.

Even if Soler progresses well and performs to expectations this season, don’t expect to see him at the Friendly Confines any earlier than late 2015. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have remained adamant that they will not rush prospects and risk jeopardizing the rebuilding process.

Soler entered the 2014 season ranked as the #34 prospect in all of baseball according to Baseball America and as the 36th-best talent in the game according to Baseball Prospectus.