Mates sing Heyward’s praises
Veteran outfielder Jason Heyward and young middle infielder Nico Hoerner were two of the few Cubs who stayed in Chicago during the offseason.
“So there was some of that,” Hoerner said when asked how he and Heyward became so close. “But it happened just because he’s an incredibly generous person.”
Heyward’s teammates, past and present, have stories of his generosity, warmth and leadership. So when president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer on Monday said he didn’t expect Heyward to return from the injured list (inflammation in right knee) this season and revealed plans to part ways with him this winter, Heyward’s teammates had kind words to share.
“One of my favorite things about Jason is just how consistent he is on a daily basis,” manager David Ross said. “He walks through the door, and whether he’s 5-for-his-last-5 or 0-for-his-last-5, he’s the same person.
“Hitting’s hard. Hitting’s hard for everybody. But Jason will help you win a game without getting hits, whether it’s his defense, his baserunning, a conversation he may have in the dugout, something he sees from other hitters, where he positions himself and reads swings in the outfield. How he impacts your team in a winning way is daily.”
Ross has known him since 2010, when Heyward was the promising hometown rookie and Ross was a grizzled veteran with the Braves.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Cubs rookie Nelson Velazquez began playing this season with Heyward, who experienced two IL stints and waning playing time. But Velazquez raves about Heyward’s hitting and fielding advice.
“He’s a really nice guy, clubhouse guy,” Velazquez said. “I love him.”
Hoerner focused on Heyward’s impact on his life beyond baseball.
“Just incredibly grateful that I lucked into a situation where I got to know him,” Hoerner said. “And what he was for me was a lot more than just a veteran in the clubhouse. Pretty much gave me guidelines on what it means to play at this level and mix that with a life away from the field.”
Will Hendricks return this season?
Veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks’ follow-up MRI exam on his strained right shoulder showed lingering inflammation, Ross said. He landed on the 15-day IL a little more than a month ago and still hasn’t started a throwing program. The Cubs will reassess in about a week.
That timeline, with Hendricks starting a throwing program in mid-August at the earliest, questions the likelihood of him returning this season.
“My main thing is to get him back on the bump, throwing bullpens and seeing how he feels,” Ross said. “Let’s get him healthy. So I don’t think getting him back in games is a top priority for everyone. But if he is able to get to that space, I think that’s a win for everyone.”
Miley rehab stint continues
Veteran left-hander Wade Miley (strained left shoulder) is scheduled to make his third rehab start in the last few weeks and his second with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday. He is expected to need another rehab outing before returning from the 15-day IL, but the Cubs will evaluate his recovery before settling on a concrete plan.