Cubs get promising news on return of Jake Arrieta, Nico Hoerner, but not on Ian Happ

The Cubs got promising news regarding Jake Arrieta and Nico Hoerner, but are still waiting to learn more about the status of Ian Happ.

The Chicago Cubs continue to hang around the .500 mark early in the 2021 season. Much of the focus remains on players like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javy Baez, but there are some key players out with injuries right now.

Jake Arrieta, Nico Hoerner, and Ian Happ are all waiting to return from their respective injuries. Friday was a target date for all three, but only two appear ready to come back.

Cubs expecting Jake Arrieta and Nico Hoerner back while waiting on Ian Happ

Arrieta has not pitched since April 30 as he was dealing with a cut on his thumb. This was not a major injury, but obviously something that would prevent him from being effective on the mound. Two weeks of rest should have him ready to go Friday.

Next up is the young Hoerner. The 23-year-old was nursing a forearm injury and like Arrieta, seemed to need rest more than anything else. His return is great news as he was called up and immediately started mashing at the plate. He will return with a 1.056 OPS.

Happ is the one from this group of three who is further behind. He is nursing a rib injury and last played May 2. Manager David Ross has responded with several different defensive configurations, including putting Kris Bryant in center field.

Such changes could remain if Happ can’t get over the .200 mark at the plate.

The Cubs entered Wednesday with a 17-18 record, which has the club right in the middle of the National League Central standings. Getting healthy again should mean May ends up being a turnaround month. Getting Arrieta and Hoerner back against the lowly Detroit Tigers should help them ease back into action as well.