Chicago Cubs: Rushing Javier Baez back does no good for anyone

Cubs taking their time in bringing Baez back

In his first game back from injury, the Chicago Cubs‘ Javier Baez was BACK. He wasted no time, hitting two home runs in his return, and immediately the internet chatter began about when he would be up to take Starlin Castro‘s place. I could go on for days about why that’s not a good idea, but let’s keep it to the most simplistic of reasons. Javy isn’t ready. 

When Baez was thrust into the spotlight last season, he initially responded as many expected–or at least hoped he would. The power was there, but the high strikeout totals that we had all heard about became a nightmare. When the dust settled, Baez had struck out 95 times in 229 at-bats while batting just .169.

Following the loss of his sister earlier this year and then the broken finger that kept him out just under two months, there is no reasonable explanation as to why the Cubs should call him up next. First, the Cubs front office wants Baez to be assured of getting consistent at-bats before getting the call back to Chicago. If you think he should take over at second base while Addison Russell moves to short–you might not be paying attention.

Cubs skipper Joe Maddon told Mark Gonzalez of the Chicago Tribune, “The overall message I’m hearing is that our guys want to make sure he gets it going, The fact he missed so much time (due to the death of his sister and the injury), right now we’re OK.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs: Adrian Sampson is forcing his way into the conversation
• Projecting the Chicago Cubs bullpen to open the 2023 season
• Cubs fans are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel
• Justin Steele has evolved into a frontline starter for the Cubs
• The future of first base is murky right now for the Cubs

The Cubs are winners of five in a row, and six out of their last seven. They’re getting the job done right now, and adding a player like Baez that needs his at-bats isn’t a fitting move.

The Cubs have made a habit of shuffling players around on the roster this season, trying to find that right combination. After surviving the non-waiver trade deadline, the discussions of the Cubs interest in the Phillies Chase Utley is an interesting one. Is it possible that Baez or Castro could be a part of that deal, should it materialize? Unlikely, but it won’t be the last time their names are mentioned.

Baez is going to get another shot at the big leagues. Where he gets it though is the question.

Next: Phillies' Utley still on Cubs radar?