The Chicago Cubs’ second baseman, Nico Hoerner, recently made a triumphant return to the field after undergoing right flexor tendon surgery in October. His comeback was marked by an impressive performance in the Cubs’ 10-6 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
This blog post delves into Hoerner’s journey through recovery, his impact on the team, and what fans can expect moving forward. For more details, you can read the full article here.
The Road to Recovery
After deciding to undergo surgery to repair his right flexor tendon, Nico Hoerner faced a challenging offseason filled with extensive rehabilitation.
His primary goal was to be ready for the Cubs’ domestic-opening series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, a goal he achieved despite the odds.
Hoerner admitted that the process was complex, filled with numerous treatments and opinions, but he remained focused and diligent throughout.
Rehabilitation Challenges
Rehabilitation can be a maze of various treatments and techniques, and Hoerner experienced this firsthand.
He mentioned that it was easy to get lost in the myriad of options available for healing, but ultimately, he found a routine that worked for him.
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*We have so much tech, so many options, so many opinions, like, you can end up doing 20 different things in a day to supposedly heal yourself and really have no clue if anything’s doing anything,* he explained.
Impact on the Cubs’ Lineup
Hoerner’s return to the lineup adds depth and versatility, particularly with his high-contact hitting ability. In his first game back, he collected two hits, an RBI, a walk, and a run scored, showcasing his offensive skills.
Defensively, he remains one of the best in the league at his position, even though he is not yet ready to back up Dansby Swanson at shortstop due to ongoing arm strength recovery.
Performance Highlights
- Two hits
- One RBI
- One walk
- One run scored
These stats reflect Hoerner’s immediate impact on the game and his ability to contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Team and Manager Reactions
The Cubs’ management and teammates have been vocal about Hoerner’s work ethic and dedication.
Manager Craig Counsell praised Hoerner for his focus and determination, even when he was told he wouldn’t be traveling to Japan for the season opener. *He comes in and he doesn’t get distracted by anything,* Counsell noted.
Jed Hoyer’s Perspective
President of Baseball Operations, Jed Hoyer, also weighed in on Hoerner’s recovery.
He admitted that the team was initially unsure about Hoerner’s return timeline but was pleasantly surprised by his progress. *Sometimes you guys think we’re being coy, like, I don’t think we really had a sense of what the return would be, the hope would have been (the domestic opener),* Hoyer said.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the Cubs plan to be cautious with Hoerner’s playing time to ensure he remains healthy.
The first week of the season will be particularly demanding, with seven consecutive days of games. The team will likely give Hoerner some rest days to manage his workload effectively.
Future Prospects
Despite the challenges, Hoerner’s return is a positive sign for the Cubs.
His performance in the first game back indicates that he is on the right track.
With continued support from the medical staff and his teammates, Hoerner is expected to regain full strength and contribute significantly throughout the season.
For more detailed information on Nico Hoerner’s return and the Chicago Cubs’ season, you can read the full article here.
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