Chicago Cubs: Injured Javier Baez delivers walk-off single off the bench

Javier Baez brought the magic to Wrigley Field Tuesday night, coming off the bench to give the Chicago Cubs a walk-off win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

On Sunday night, Javier Baez injured his heel making another highlight-reel play at shortstop. He stayed in the game for a few more innings before departing. That same injury cost him the start on Monday and once again Tuesday, with the Chicago Cubs taking all possible precautions with their standout infielder.

With Baez out of the starting lineup, Chicago managed a measly one run heading to the ninth, trailing 2-1. Then, the team’s big boppers put together a rally that made everyone quickly forget how dismal the offense looked the rest of the night.

Kris Bryant, who has absolutely torched the Phillies in his career, led off the ninth with a walk. Anthony Rizzo followed up with a double to put men at second and third with nobody out. After Willson Contreras flew out, Juan Nicasio walked Jason Heyward, setting up the double play and force at any base.

Albert Almora hit into a fielder’s choice, which allowed Bryant to score the tying run. Then, Joe Maddon went to Baez as a pinch-hitter for the struggling Daniel Descalso. El Mago rocketed a ball down the first base line, scoring Rizzo and giving the Cubs a much-needed win after the bullpen blew a lead for the second time in as many days.

"“He (Baez) is not going to wait around,” Maddon told MLB.com. “He hadn’t played in a couple days, but he didn’t miss it — he shot it down the right-field line. It was fitting.”"