The Chicago Cubs shut down top prospect Matt Shaw due to an oblique injury at the beginning of February. They said at the time that it was a fairly minor injury that should not keep him out for more than a few weeks. Bruce Levine is reporting today that Shaw is ready to start playing in spring games in the next few days. That is extremely good news that could potentially have him ready for the opening series in Japan.

With the Cubs missing out on Alex Bregman who signed with the Boston Red Sox, Shaw is the odds-on favorite to win the starting third base job. They signed Justin Turner last week as a bit of insurance for Shaw, but the team does not want him to play third base long-term because of his defensive limitations. Turner would be able to fill in on a limited basis when Shaw needs time off.

It was also announced this morning that Nico Hoerner will not be traveling with the team to Japan. Hoerner will stay in Arizona to continue his rehab from flexor tendon Hopefully, having Shaw get into action in the next few days means that the Cubs will not be down two infielders in the opening series.

Shaw was the Cubs first-round pick, 13th overall, in the 2023 draft. He is currently the 19th-ranked prospect in baseball according to MLB.com.