Cubs' plans for Matt Shaw may be coming into focus during minor-league rehab stint

Before Matt Shaw's wrist sprain, one of the biggest problems Craig Counsell faced was finding consistent playing time for the 2023 first-round pick. After making a previous return from a back injury, Shaw posted a wRC+ of 142 during the month of June, and it came at a time when the Cubs offense was the near end of a six-week slump.

The thought was that Shaw having a regular presence in the starting lineup could help accelerate the end of that slump, but then there was the wrist sprain. Initially, it was believed that Shaw's stint on the IL was going to be minimal. Considering we're reaching the end of August and Shaw is just now on a minor-league rehab assignment, things obviously haven't gone as planned.

But, Shaw's return comes at a time when he could still add importance to plan for the Cubs moving forward. First and foremost, there's the injury to Dansby Swanson. Shaw has played shortstop a couple of times with the Iowa Cubs during his minor-league rehab assignment, and that could be a tell of the plan for him upon his return. Especially if the Cubs are facing a left-handed pitcher.

There's also what has unfolded for Ian Happ since the trade deadline when the Cubs acquired Tyrone Taylor. Happ has essentially become a platoon player, sitting against left-handed pitchers. While Taylor has gotten most of those starts, there's a case to be made that there's more upside in Shaw's bat. Especially if it's the version of Shaw that was having success in June.

Along those lines, Shaw played left field for the I-Cubs on Tuesday night.

Cubs are quietly revealing Matt Shaw plan with latest rehab decision

While Shaw as an outfileder first this season, most of his playing time has been in right field. Shaw only had two games in left field this season before his injury. Perhaps, as the Craig Counsell plays the matchup game down the stretch against southpaws, the plan is for Shaw to get regular playing time in left field.

Against left-handed pitching this season, Shaw is slashing .279/.353/.492 with a wRC+ of 135. The silver lining to Swanson currently being sidelined is that the Cubs have a clear path to having Shaw, Taylor, and Pedro Ramirez in the starting lineup against lefties. All three have feasted against left-handed pitching this season, and certainly allows for Counsell to be creative ahead of the playoffs.

Of course, Shaw getting an extra look in left field could also have a benefit beyond this season, considering he could be clear replacement for Happ.

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