MLB: San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ (8) is greeted by manager Craig Counsell (11) after hitting a two-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs activate 3-time Gold Glover off the IL

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Andy Jachim | Last updated May 20, 2025 10:47 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs have dealt with a couple of injuries so far this season, which has allowed for some of the organization’s top prospects to make their big league debuts. Matt Shaw began the season with the team before being sent down to Triple-A after 18 rough games at the plate. He returned to the big leagues on Monday night against the Marlins and collected a two-hit game, proving that his time in Iowa was much needed.

With Shota Imanaga going down with a hamstring strain, Cade Horton was promoted to take his spot in the rotation. The right-hander gave up three runs in 5.0 innings of work in his first career start against the White Sox last Friday, and the hope is that he can find a way to stick around for a long time.

The Cubs announced Tuesday morning that an everyday bat will be returning to the lineup for the second game of the Marlins’ series, with another young prospect being sent back to Iowa in the corresponding move.

Chicago Cubs activate Ian Happ off the IL

Happ will be back in action Tuesday night after being out with a left oblique strain. The former first-round draft choice of the organization is slashing .269/.364/.381 with a .745 OPS in 39 games this season as the team’s leadoff man. He has also clubbed out three homers and driven in 16 runs so far in 2025. While the power numbers haven’t been there as much for Happ so far this season, he was still the tone-setter in Chicago’s order and he has been missed over the past week.

Moises Ballesteros will head down to Triple-A as the corresponding move. The 21-year-old made his bug league debut last week and collected three hits in 16 at-bats in his short stay with the team. Ballesteros looked more comfortable in the box as each game went along, and there is no doubt he will be back soon enough.

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates May 1, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) hits a single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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