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Following Monday’s 5-2 win over the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs received good and bad news.
The bad news is that All-Star outfielder Ian Happ is heading to the injured list. The 30-year-old leadoff man has missed the Cubs' last three games with an oblique injury and will now be out awhile longer.
On the plus side, Chicago is calling up one of its top prospects to replace him in the lineup.
According to a report from Bruce Levine late Monday night, the Cubs will promote slugging catcher/first baseman Moises Ballesteros from Triple-A Iowa. Per Levine, he'll likely be in the starting lineup and make his MLB debut on Tuesday against the Marlins.
Ballesteros, 21, is ranked as Chicago's No. 4 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He's off to a terrific start in Triple-A this year, batting .368/.420/.522 with four home runs and 18 RBI over 34 games.
The NL Central-leading Cubs hope he can provide a similar production level in the big leagues. He's a .288/.371/.459 hitter across 386 career minor-league games, including a .311/.368/.477 batting line with 14 homers and 53 RBI in 102 games at Triple-A.
Feb 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Moises Ballesteros against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That type of thump is rare for a catcher, so Ballesteros has the potential to be one of the best hitters at his position if he achieves his potential. With his impressive power and plate discipline, he's reminiscent of Willson Contreras.
If Ballesteros debuts on Tuesday, he will likely face Valente Bellozo in his first MLB at-bat. The 25-year-old right-hander is 0-2 with a 3.50 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP, and a 14:10 K/BB ratio in 18 innings over four starts this season.
Basedsteros appears ready for the big leagues. Based on his success at Triple-A, he'll get a chance to prove himself and see if he belongs there.
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The bad news is that All-Star outfielder Ian Happ is heading to the injured list. The 30-year-old leadoff man has missed the Cubs' last three games with an oblique injury and will now be out awhile longer.
On the plus side, Chicago is calling up one of its top prospects to replace him in the lineup.
According to a report from Bruce Levine late Monday night, the Cubs will promote slugging catcher/first baseman Moises Ballesteros from Triple-A Iowa. Per Levine, he'll likely be in the starting lineup and make his MLB debut on Tuesday against the Marlins.
Ballesteros, 21, is ranked as Chicago's No. 4 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He's off to a terrific start in Triple-A this year, batting .368/.420/.522 with four home runs and 18 RBI over 34 games.
The NL Central-leading Cubs hope he can provide a similar production level in the big leagues. He's a .288/.371/.459 hitter across 386 career minor-league games, including a .311/.368/.477 batting line with 14 homers and 53 RBI in 102 games at Triple-A.
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Feb 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Moises Ballesteros against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That type of thump is rare for a catcher, so Ballesteros has the potential to be one of the best hitters at his position if he achieves his potential. With his impressive power and plate discipline, he's reminiscent of Willson Contreras.
If Ballesteros debuts on Tuesday, he will likely face Valente Bellozo in his first MLB at-bat. The 25-year-old right-hander is 0-2 with a 3.50 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP, and a 14:10 K/BB ratio in 18 innings over four starts this season.
Basedsteros appears ready for the big leagues. Based on his success at Triple-A, he'll get a chance to prove himself and see if he belongs there.
Related: Craig Counsell Reveals Details on Cubs Fan-Favorite's Return
Related: Cubs-Angels Trade Idea Sends Two-Time All-Star Starter to Chicago
Related: Cubs-Angels Trade Idea Sends Two-Time All-Star Starter to Chicago
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