Cubs: Contreras Sidelined, Norris Throws BP, Schwindel and Madrigal Stand In

Contreras Sidelined with Hamstring Injury

All-star catcher Willson Contreras left Monday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers with hamstring tightness. The slugging backstop was out of Tuesday’s lineup, but is getting treatment today and hopefully can make a speedy return to the lineup.

Contreras is easily making his case to be the starting catcher for the National League in this year’s All-Star game later this month in Los Angeles. In 71 games so far this season, he’s batting .274 with 13 home runs, 35 RBI, 17 doubles, 35 walks, and an .890 OPS.

Norris Throws Live BP

In other Cubs news, left-handed pitcher Daniel Norris threw live batting practice today to hitters.

Norris has been on the 15-day IL since June 23 when he suffered a finger injury. For the season, the lefty has struggled to settle in. In 24 games, Norris has posted a 7.24 ERA with 40 strikeouts, 18 walks, and given up seven home runs in 27.1 innings pitched.

Schwindel and Madrigal Stand In for BP

Speaking of batting practice, infielders Nick Madrigal and Frank Schwindel stood in for live batting practice today.

Madrigal, who’s recovering from a groin injury that landed him on the 10-day IL, hasn’t had the season he’s probably anticipated so far, but injuries are a lot to blame for it. Coming off a season that saw Madrigal suffer a season ending hamstring injury, the second baseman spent a few weeks earlier this season on the IL with a back injury. On the season, he’s batting .222 with just three doubles in 31 games. However, in his last eight games before he landed on the IL, he went 8-for-29 with a .276 batting average.

Schwindel landed on the 10-day IL after suffering a lower back injury against the Atlanta Braves on June 17. In 62 games with the Cubs this year, he’s hit eight home runs with 33 RBI and a .237 batting average.

Hopefully all of these Cubs can make a speedy recovery and return to the lineup sooner rather than later.