ESPN news: Hopeful, Cubs Star Man Set to Return from injury in the lineup for Friday’s game over the Pirates.

Hoerner tested his left hamstring during the standard pregame warm-up on Thursday while the Cubs assessed when he might make a comeback.

On Thursday, Cubs middle infielder Nico Hoerner worked out in a manner similar to his pregame routine, joining Cubs players on the field for pregame batting practice.

He stored his bat and went to left field to test his left hamstring by running while being watched by Cubs athletic trainers.

Regarding Hoerner’s exercise, manager Craig Counsell stated, “Hopefully he’ll be in there tomorrow if we get good information from that.”

Chicago Cubs continue to be a contender for the division lead despite numerous injuries

CBS Chicago – The Chicago Cubs returned to the city on Thursday to play four games against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Despite injuries, the Cubs have persevered and are currently competitive in the NL Central Division. The Cubs were trailing Milwaukee by a game and a half heading into Thursday’s game.

After being benched for a few days by manager Craig Counsell, Ian Happ was back in the Cubs lineup on Thursday, batting fifth.

“You use it, essentially, to just give the player a break from having to perform,” Counsell explained. “When you’re struggling, I gotta go and do it again for the guys, and just to give a break from that, I think, is helpful.”

The Cubs scored seven runs in the series finale in Atlanta, paced by Mike Tauchman, who continued to burn hot at leadoff. This came after the team had lost two straight shutout games.

Tauchmann remarked, “I’m just trying to keep things simple in my routine.” “Right now, pitching is quite remarkable. Thus, I’m not exaggerating the fact that I was just defeated at bat. It is going to occur during the season.”

Tauchman’s “swing of the bat, just to get us on the board for sure, is a good feeling and to score some runs and have a good offensive performance, it feels good, for sure.”

Counsell stated that although infielder Nico Hoerner did not play because of a hamstring problem, he did go through a more routine warmup. He hopes that on Friday, Hoerner will be able to play.

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Craig Counsell updates Nico Hoerner, suggesting that the infielder might make a comeback this weekend.

Craig Counsell, who first appeared on NBC Sports Chicago, updates Nico Hoerner and suggests the infielder might return this weekend.

On Thursday, Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner is not starting for the third straight game; nonetheless, manager Craig Counsell stated that the player is making progress toward returning to the starting lineup.

Hoerner, who is batting.269 with two home runs and twelve RBIs this season, was taken out of the Cubs’ lineup on Tuesday in their game against the Atlanta Braves due to left hamstring strain. After missing the series finale, he will not play on Thursday when the Cubs play the Atlanta Braves in the first game of a four-game series.

Prior to Thursday’s game, Counsell told the reporters that Hoerner is “feeling better” and that there’s a chance he’ll be back in the starting lineup on Friday.

Nico will run around and go through a more routine pregame routine today. Today he feels better. Hopefully, he’ll be in there tomorrow if we have solid information from that,” he stated.

Counsell stated that Hoerner is being used cautiously by the team because of hamstring cramps he suffered during a recent series at PNC Park against the Pirates.

It’s unfortunate for Chicago that the injury occurred at this time, as shortstop Dansby Swanson was put on the injured list due to a knee problem. The Cubs have been depending on Miles Mastrobuoni to man shortstop because Hoerner is also sidelined.

In Hoerner’s absence, he has made two starts at shortstop and has recorded a single and two walks. He will start against Pittsburgh again on Thursday.