Chicago Cubs infielder Nick Madrigal has struggled considering the fact that the group acquired him in 2022, but manager David Ross says he completely expects him to return to the group at some point in the future.
Madrigal, who is hitting .247 in 93 at-bats with the Cubs this season, was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday soon after Kyle Hendricks was activated from the injured list.
For the duration of his pregame press availability, Ross mentioned the group had difficulty with numbers in the field and Madrigal was the odd man out.
“We’ve got a lot of guys competing for time at third base, and there is just not a lot of area for that talent set ideal now,” he mentioned. “(We’re) just attempting to get him back to discovering his timing and swinging the baseball properly.”
Madrigal discovered himself at third base soon after the Cubs signed Dansby Swanson, pushing Nick Herner to second base.
Madrigal has however to hit a residence run this season and has nine RBIs, two stolen bases and a .286 on-base percentage.
General, his numbers are down considerably from his time with the White Sox, with noticeable drops in batting typical and on-base percentage.
Ross says Madrigal will continue to function at each second and third base in the minor leagues, and praised him for his willingness to take on a new position that necessary him to function not only on his arm strength, but also his footwork and awareness. .
“The issue I am most proud of him is the way he took third base. He was clean there,” he mentioned. “It really is challenging to do, and it went unnoticed by the public.” I am continually amazed at his capability to make so several sorts of plays and the arm strength he’s constructed.”
With Edwin Rios and Miles Mastrobuoni remaining on the roster, and with Patrick Wisdom and Christopher Morell taking most of the begins at third base, the field is crowded for the Cubs, but Ross says he hasn’t observed the final of Madrigal.
“I am certain he’ll be back to assist us really quickly,” he mentioned.
He will nevertheless bounce about, play second and third. The issue I am most proud of him is the way he took third base. He was clean there. It is tough to do, it has gone unnoticed by the public. I am continually amazed at his capability to make so several sorts of plays and the arm strength he has constructed.
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