The Cubs infield alignment figures to be in flux throughout both the Tokyo Series and perhaps even into the early days of the season stateside. As noted by earlier this week, second baseman will not be participating in the Tokyo Series with the Cubs as he recovers from offseason flexor tendon surgery. Instead, Hoerner will stay behind in Arizona in hopes of being ready for the start of the stateside regular season on March 27, which notes the infielder currently appears to be on track for. Thats fairly good news overall, as Hoerner entered camp with an unknown timeline for return from surgery and it wouldnt have nece sarily been a shock to see him mi s the first few weeks of the regular season. In that context, mi sing just the first two games of the year would be a notable win. What complicates matters further, however, is the questions surrounding top prospect . The clubs presumptive starting third baseman, Shaw has been slowed by an oblique i sue this spring and has yet to get into a game. relayed comments from manager earlier this week on Shaws status. Counsell noted that the Cubs arent ruling [Shaw] out for anything, suggesting he could be in play for the Tokyo Series. With that being said, however, Shaw has not yet made his Spring Training debut despite Counsell referring to Shaw as not too far from getting into games last week. While Hoerner is unavailable, utility man figures to slide into the opening at second base. If Shaw is also unavailable for the Tokyo Maikel Franco Jersey Series, however, things could get a bit more complicated. The final bench spot for the clubs ultimately 26-man roster remains up for grabs, with Rule 5 pick , trade acquisition , and non-roster invitee all in the conversation to join Berti, , and on the clubs bench. Any of them could be in the conversation to cover for Shaw in the event that both Shaw and Hoerner are unavailable for the start of the season, although it seems as though Turner could be an option as well. The 40-year-old hasnt played third base on a regular basis since 2022, but the veteran told reporters ( ) that hes been taking a lot of reps at the hot corner this spring to stretch out his arm in order to be ready to fill in at the position if nece sary. Moving on to the bullpen, veteran right-hander was acquired from the Astros this winter to help bolster the clubs bullpen mix. suggested that Pre sly was a sured that he would be the clubs top candidate for saves this season prior to waiving his no-trade clause to join the club. That could certainly be the case, and that Pre sly remains a favorite for the closer job, though its worth noting she also acknowledges young right-hander as another potential favorite for save opportunities. Hodge dazzled in his rookie season last year, posting a sterling 1.88 ERA with a 2.75 FIP in 43 innings of work while picking up nine saves along the way. Given that framing of Pre sly and Hodge as both being potential favorites for the closer job, its po sible that the club could utilize both hurlers in the ninth inning depending on matchups. For his part, Pre sly expre sed a preference for pitching in the ninth inning but made clear that he doesnt see the role as a sured. Ive done every role under the sun in the bullpen, but I really felt like I got my stride when I was in that ninth-inning role, Pre sly said, as relayed by Lee. And Im happy for the opportunity to be back in it. And now its just a matter of seeing what I can do with it. Elsewhere in the bullpen, that southpaw threw live batting practice for the first time of the spring yesterday. Little has been slowed throughout camp due to what pitching coach described to Lee as typical offseason i sues that impacted the southpaws buildup this winter unrelated to the lat strain that ended his 2024 season. Its unclear whether Little will be ready for domestic Opening Day or not, though as a reliever with options remaining in a crowded bullpen the southpaw may wind up starting the season at Triple-A Iowa even if hes healthy. Washington Nationals Jersey