The Matt Shaw era at third base is unofficially starting for the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.
The Cubs are set to play the Cincinnati Reds in Cactus League play on Sunday afternoon in a game that will serve as Shaw's Spring Training debut.
Shaw is hitting second in the Cubs' lineup on Sunday and playing third base. The lineup also features veteran Jon Berti playing second base. With Nico Hoerner being ruled out for the team's Opening Day series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan, Berti could be the starting second baseman in those set of games. Of course, that will depend on the status of Shaw. While nothing has been made official, there has been speculation that Shaw would be held out of the games in Japan.
Matt Shaw is making his spring training debut in latest Cubs starting lineup
- Ian Happ, LF
- Matt Shaw, 3B
- Justin Turner, 1B
- Miguel Amaya, C
- Jon Berti, 2B
- Vidal Bruján, SS
- Greg Allen, CF
- Travis Jankowski, DH
- Christian Franklin, RF
The first week the Cubs reported to spring training, Shaw suffered an oblique injury. While not serious, the injury has kept Shaw out of Cactus League games prior to Sunday. It is also important to note that Craig Counsell hasn't officially ruled Shaw out for the games against the Dodgers in Japan. While there would be a roster benefit to delaying Shaw, that shouldn't be the primary reason why he does not play in those games.
As a reminder, the roster benefit gives the Cubs extra time to decide between Bruján and Gage Workman for the final spot on the bench. Bruján is out of options, while Workman is subject to Rule 5 requirements.
Even with Shaw playing on Sunday, and with no restriction, the expectation should still be that he doesn't play against the Dodgers in Japan. Given that Shaw isn't on the 40-man roster, he could technically be assigned to minor-league camp while the Cubs are in Japan and be activated in time to be on the roster for their stateside Opening Day against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
feed