May 14, 2024; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nick Madrigal (1) singles against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
According to source Tommy Birch, Cubs infielder Nick Madrigal broke his left hand while playing at Triple-A Iowa. Trey Wingenter’s pitch struck the former No. 4 overall pick on Wednesday night.
Madrigal arrived in Iowa during the weekend. When the Cubs called up David Bote on Sunday, they optioned the struggling infielder. It was his first game since the optional assignment on Wednesday. Although it’s unclear how long he will be sidelined, that clearly eliminates him from consideration for a quick call-up. It’s the most recent setback in a challenging season for the third baseman for Chicago on Opening Day.Madrigal only managed three extra-base hits (all doubles) in 94 plate appearances. Because of his batting line of.221/.280/.256, Christopher Morel was able to surpass him in the third base depth chart. Even Morel has had an uneventful season.
He had a slash line of.203/.313/.387 through 252 plate appearances going into Thursday night’s game. Even though Morel homered for power this evening—his 12th home run of the season—he still has trouble playing defense. At third base, the Cubs have handed him a career-high 376 innings. He is rated eight runs below average with the glove by Statcast and defensive runs saved.
Regardless of Madrigal’s condition, the front staff could attempt to upgrade third base by the deadline. Nevertheless, the injury is a blow to Chicago’s depth in the infield and presents another challenge for the 27-year-old in his quest to become a regular player. Madrigal has not yet demonstrated that his contact-oriented methodology has a sufficient ceiling to be considered consistent. That is especially true for a team where Nico Hoerner already plays second base, forcing the Oregon State prospect to play on the left side of the infield.
Since the Cubs acquired Madrigal from the White Sox in the 2021 Craig Kimbrel trade, he has made 202 appearances in games. His line in 616 plate appearances is.251/.304/.312. On an arbitration salary of $1.81 million, he is playing this season. Madrigal is under Cubs control for two more years, but he may be headed toward a non-tender in the upcoming offseason.
