Cubs finally give in to fans and call up Nico Hoerner with latest roster move

With outfielder Joc Pederson being placed on the injured list, the Chicago Cubs called up infielder Nico Hoerner on Thursday.

Back in late March, Chicago Cubs fans were stunned to discover that infielder Nico Hoerner was optioned to Triple-A, despite having a great showing in spring training. With the fan base already frustrated after a rather stagnant offseason and a slow start to the 2021 campaign, the team decided to appease them, albeit due to an injured player freeing up a roster spot.

On Thursday, the Cubs are calling up Hoerner after the team placed outfielder and free agent signee Joc Pederson was placed on the 10-day injured list with left wrist tendinitis. Hoerner will be available for Chicago’s game on Thursday night against the New York Mets.

Cubs: Infielder Nico Hoerner called up by Chicago on Thursday

The Cubs currently sit in fourth-place in the NL Central standings with an 8-9 record. The main reason for their early struggles is their lack of hitting. Through 17 games played, the Cubs have a .201 team batting average (worst in MLB), .301 on-base percentage (22nd) and .375 slugging percentage (20th).

Hoerner struggled in the batters box last season, where he recorded a .222 batting average, .571 OPS, 13 RBI and 24 hits in 108 at-bats (48 games). But this past spring, Hoerner slashed .364/.396/.659 while recording two home runs, 11 RBI, eight runs scored and 16 hits in 44 at-bats (17 games). Despite these solid numbers, the Cubs optioned him to the minors and had David Bote start at second base instead.

Those Cubs fans who were upset over Hoerner not making the Opening Day roster are no doubt ecstatic that the infielder has made it back onto the major league roster. Better late than never.