BREAKING NEWS:Chicago Cubs Second Baseman Nico Hoerner’s Absence from Japan: A Setback and a Strategic Recovery
As the Chicago Cubs prepare for their historic season-opening games in Japan against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18 and 19, one key figure will notably be absent: second baseman Nico Hoerner. The 26-year-old infielder, a defensive standout and one of the team’s most reliable players, has been sidelined after undergoing flexor tendon surgery on his right forearm last October. This decision, though a setback for Hoerner and the Cubs, has been made with an eye on his long-term health and readiness for the upcoming Major League Baseball (MLB) season.
The Reason for Absence: Surgery and Rehabilitation
In late 2024, Hoerner’s ongoing issues with his right forearm led to the need for flexor tendon surgery. While it was a necessary procedure to ensure the durability and function of his arm, it also came with a recovery timeline that would unfortunately rule out participation in the Tokyo Series. Hoerner’s surgery was conducted in mid-October and required a careful and focused rehabilitation plan that would extend well into the start of 2025.
Flexor tendons play a critical role in arm strength and movement, particularly for a middle infielder like Hoerner. Given the demands of the position, which require quick reflexes and a high degree of arm mobility, this surgery was necessary to address a lingering issue that had the potential to worsen if left unaddressed.
According to Cubs manager Craig Counsell, Hoerner’s recovery has been progressing steadily. Counsell has expressed confidence in Hoerner’s rehabilitation, noting that over the past three weeks, the second baseman has shown substantial improvement. However, it was determined that Hoerner would be better off staying in Arizona to continue his rehab rather than traveling to Japan for the series. The Cubs’ medical staff, along with Hoerner’s personal trainers and doctors, have emphasized the importance of staying in a controlled environment to maximize recovery time.
The decision to keep Hoerner home was not made lightly. Japan’s trip, which was supposed to mark a historical and exciting moment for MLB, also represents a unique opportunity for players to engage with fans and showcase the sport on a global stage. But despite this allure, the Cubs, mindful of the long-term implications, decided that Hoerner’s physical health and readiness for the domestic season opener would take precedence over the trip.
What Does This Mean for the Cubs in the Short Term?
Hoerner’s absence is a notable blow to the Cubs, especially considering how integral he has been to the team’s success over the past few seasons. As the primary second baseman and a strong defensive presence, Hoerner has consistently been a key cog in the Cubs’ lineup. In 2024, he posted a .280 batting average with 10 home runs and 70 RBIs, earning a reputation as a versatile and steady contributor. His defense was even more impressive, earning him a Gold Glove nomination and solidifying his place as one of the top defensive second basemen in the game.
With Hoerner out of the Tokyo Series, the Cubs will need to rely on other players to fill the second base role in the interim. Utility players like Vidal Bruján and Jon Berti are likely to see more playing time in Hoerner’s absence. While neither of these players has Hoerner’s combination of defensive prowess and offensive consistency, they both bring experience and versatility to the field.
Vidal Bruján, acquired by the Cubs earlier in the offseason, has been a solid performer in the minor leagues with the Tampa Bay Rays, offering speed and a solid glove. His ability to cover multiple positions makes him a strong candidate to step into Hoerner’s role during the Tokyo Series. Similarly, Jon Berti, who has been a reliable utility option in the past, will likely be leaned on for his experience and ability to adapt in various roles.
While these players will do their best to fill the gap temporarily, the Cubs will surely feel the absence of Hoerner’s leadership, defensive stability, and bat in the lineup.
Looking Toward the Future: Hoerner’s Return and the Cubs’ Strategy
Despite his absence from the Tokyo Series, the good news for Cubs fans is that Hoerner’s rehabilitation is progressing on schedule. The team is optimistic that Hoerner will be ready for the Cubs’ home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 27, just a week after the Japan games. Manager Counsell has stated that they expect Hoerner to be “good to go” for the team’s return to the United States, so long as his rehab continues at its current pace.
Hoerner himself has expressed a desire to return to the field as quickly as possible, but he also understands the importance of a full recovery. He knows that his ability to perform at a high level throughout the season is far more important than pushing himself too quickly and risking further injury.
For the Cubs, this decision represents a long-term strategy to ensure Hoerner’s health throughout the 2025 MLB season. The front office and coaching staff have made it clear that while missing out on the international spotlight of the Tokyo Series is disappointing, the most important goal is Hoerner’s readiness for the rigors of the 162-game season.
The Big Picture: Why It Matters
This decision also reflects a broader trend in modern sports where teams prioritize the health of their players over short-term gains. In years past, players might have been pushed to play through injuries or come back too soon from surgeries to participate in high-profile events, such as the Tokyo Series. However, the Cubs’ focus on Hoerner’s rehab process underscores a growing understanding that a player’s long-term success is tied to their physical well-being.
For Cubs fans, Hoerner’s absence from Japan might be disappointing, but it’s a small price to pay for the hope that he’ll return fully healthy and ready to contribute to the team’s success. With a new season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Hoerner as he looks to continue his development into one of the league’s premier second basemen.
In the end, while the Tokyo Series will go on without Nico Hoerner, Cubs fans can take solace in knowing that this decision is ultimately made with the franchise’s future in mind. Hoerner’s return to the field is eagerly anticipated, and when he steps back into the Cubs’ lineup, the team will be all the stronger for it.
