Chicago Cubs: Javier Baez ready to go, “wasn’t ever hurt”

Chicago Cubs’ second baseman Javier Baez deemed himself ready to play. That’s because he wasn’t hurt in the first place.

When the Chicago Cubs’ Javier Baez came up lame rounding first base, we all took a collective deep breath and hoped for the best. After his MRI which showed no serious damage, the Cubs decided to play it safe and keep him out of the lineup for a few days. It seems everybody has been asking, “How’d Javy”? Well, I’d say he’s just fine.

Why? Because Baez claims he was never hurt in the first place. I’ll admit when it comes to cramping or hamstring injury’s; I’ll err on the side of caution. But he says it was nothing more than a cramp due to lack of hydration, and that was it.

No other choice

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

“They took all the sodas from my fridge,” Baez said, pointing to a refrigerator in the corner ofthe clubhouse. “I got no other choice now.”

Well, I wish I could drink a soda and then play ball. Well, I do. But I’m playing slow pitch softball. Also known as a drinking league. But I digress.

In the case of Baez, the Cubs wanted to make sure he was getting enough hydration. He’s run, hit and took fielding practice. But the Cubs kept him out of games situations.

A sigh of relief

This is a great joy to many Cubs’ fans as Baez is not only one of the fan favorites, but an essential cog in the Cubs system.

Yes, he’ll flail at a slider down and away in the left-hander’s batters box. Or he’ll chase a pitch as high as the eye can see and then some. But when he’s right, he’s right. Not to mention the fact that Baez hopes to break through and win a Gold Glove this summer.

Next: Pace-of-play looms large

He has never qualified for one due to his being able to replace several positions. But this year, he’ll hold down the second base job. And the Cubs hope to see some magic from “El Mago” this season. His DZR isn’t impressive as some. But when “Javy is being Javy,” it’s hard to deny how good he is.

Baez hopes to get back into the lineup Friday against the White Sox, or Saturday against the Indians.