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After missing over a month with an ankle sprain, Chicago Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler is expected to re-join the big league club Sunday at Wrigley Field.
Soler, 23, has appeared in 49 games this season for the Cubs, a team that currently sits 8 1/2 games back in the National League Central, but boasts a 2 1/2-game lead for the second NL wild card spot.
The young outfielder, who made his big league debut against the Cincinnati Reds last season at Great American Ballpark, has struggled during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa, batting .153 (2-for-13) entering play Saturday.
However, according to ESPN Chicago, Chicago Cubs skipper Joe Maddon isn’t concerned with Soler’s numbers.
"“I don’t worry about that. To me, it’s a matter if he’s healthy and he’s seeing the ball and what his timing looks like. Those are the kind of issues you’re trying to get from the guys down there.”"
Adding Soler back to the mix leaves questions for the Cubs, who made several roster moves already this weekend, adding Saturday starter Clayton Richard to the big-league roster along with catcher Taylor Teagarden.
The likeliest move to come, at least in my mind, would be dropping either Matt Szczur or Mike Baxter off the 25-man; but that remains to be seen.
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Prior to his injury, the strikeout-prone Soler was batting .265/.322/.402 with four home runs and 67 strikeouts in just 189 at-bats.
On a fairly regular basis, the outfielder chased breaking pitches low-and-away, so whether or not he’s adjusted his approach will be something to keep an eye on upon his arrival in Chicago.
One thing is for sure. Adding Soler back to the mix makes this already exciting Chicago Cubs team even more so.
With the likes of Addison Russell and Kris Bryant already joining Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro, the addition of Soler will only add depth to this up-and-coming lineup.