Chicago Cubs News: Soler left Monday’s game with hamstring injury

Jason Heyward recorded his 100th career homer while Jon Lester kept the Philadelphia Phillies in check in the 6-4 Chicago Cubs win. But the first-place Cubbies suffered yet another injury in the outfield when someone had to leave early on.

It’s been a rough year for outfielder’s, especially in Chicago. Back in April, left fielder Kyle Schwarber collided with center fielder Dexter Fowler, resulting in multiple tears in his knee that ended his season after only a few games.

Schwarber rejoined the Cubs when they made their return to the North Side of Chicago, beginning their first homestand of the year against the Cincinnati Reds. While Schwarber’s injury was shocking and heartbreaking, it opened the door for Soler who was coming off the bench.

Now, before leaving Monday’s game, Soler made a spectacular leaping grab against the left field wall, recording the third and final out of the very first inning.

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Soler followed that up with a one-out single in the third but was removed from the game with a left hamstring injury. He would be replaced by outfielder Matt Szczur who laid down a sacrifice bunt later on in the game to add to Chicago’s lead.

Szczur is another outfielder who made a stint on the disabled list when the Cubs placed him on the 15-day last May. Like Soler, Matt went down with a hamstring injury and was assigned to the Tennessee Smokies for a quick rehab assignment.

If it comes down to it, Soler could very well end up going through the same process. Hopefully, it’s nothing worse and there will be no need to worry. Thankfully, you have guys on the roster who have experience at multiple positions.

Next: Lester solid in 6-4 win vs Phillies

For instance, Kris Bryant and Ben Zobrist. Bryant has made a handful of starts in the outfield and Zobrist moved over to right field a few times as well. Javier Baez started experimenting out in center field dating back to last Winter and even made a start at first base during Cactus League play.

But if the Cubs feel the need to find somebody to come up and add a little bit more depth while he’s away, Matt Murton and Munenori Kawasaki could very well end up receiving the big league call. We’ll have more on Soler’s situation, later on today.