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Injuries have been at the backdrop of everything the Chicago Cubs have done this season, but the silver lining has been the offense. With the help of Nico Hoerner, among others, the Cubs' offense carried the team through April and appeared to be the reason why the Cubs could survive with their thinning pitching depth.
That is why Friday's update against the Arizona Diamondbacks was the last thing the Cubs needed. After doubling in the first inning, Hoerner was replaced by Matt Shaw at second base in the second inning.
Nico Hoerner left today's game with "left-sided neck tightness," according to the Cubs.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) May 1, 2026
AÂ Nico Hoerner injury is the last thing the Cubs need
Hoerner was hit in the helmet with a pitch during the Cubs' victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, so it would be fair to speculate that Friday's injury is a result of that. The good news is that, for now, it seems like a precautionary measure.
It's oddly specific, but it feels like the type of injury where the Cubs simply wanted to play it safe. Had this been a decisive game being played in September, perhaps Hoerner would have stayed in the game and played through the tightness. Instead, considering it's only the first weekend of May, the smart thing is for the Cubs to not take any chances.
Hoerner is the one who has made the Cubs' offense click this season. He entered Friday's game with a slash line of .291/.370/.449 with a wRC+ of 1.6. On the heels of signing a six-year contract extension with the Cubs at the start of the season, Hoerner has always been praised for his speed, bat-to-ball skills, and defense. What's made the start of his 2026 season special has been the added power, with four home runs through his first 31 games.
Friday was a reminder of the depth that the Cubs have on their bench this season. Keeping Matt Shaw was always the sensible thing for Jed Hoyer and Co. to do. Shaw's bat showed signs of progress at the end of the 2025 season, and now serving in a super-utility role, he's an ideal safety blanket for the entire roster.
Obviously, the Cubs can not go without Hoerner for an extended period of time. That would change the outlook of their season. Fortunately, it seems like that concern isn't on the table at the moment.
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