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MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates May 1, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) congratulates designated hitter Seiya Suzuki (27) on his two run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs outfielder out against Mets with ‘Oblique’ injury

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 10, 2025 6:58 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs‘ matchup against the New York Mets on Saturday was already affected by a significant injury before news surfaced that the team had another issue to worry about.

The Cubs plan to start right-handed relief pitcher Brad Keller against the Mets for what manager Craig Counsell is calling a “bullpen day” for Chicago. Rookie Cade Horton, who was officially called up on Saturday from Iowa, will be active.

The start would have gone to Shota Imanaga, but he was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a mild hamstring strain he sustained against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday.

Some Cubs fans thought Counsell was punting on the series by making Saturday night a bullpen game. Chicago’s decision on the lineup hours before the contest won’t help the team’s chances of escaping their series with the Mets at Citi Field with two wins.

The Chicago Cubs are being cautious with Ian Happ

Per Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times, outfielder Ian Happ will not play on Saturday after feeling oblique discomfort on Friday during his first at-bat. The Cubs want to be cautious with Happ.

“Ian Happ is out of the lineup today. He felt some oblique discomfort last night on a swing in his first AB, Craig Counsell said,” Lee posted on X. “Stayed in the game, but today they’re “being cautious and giving him a day.” Pete Crow-Armstrong is leading off, Seiya Suzuki in LF.”

Ian Happ is out of the lineup today. He felt some oblique discomfort last night on a swing in his first AB, Craig Counsell said. Stayed in the game, but today they’re “being cautious and giving him a day.”

Pete Crow-Armstrong is leading off, Seiya Suzuki in LF.

— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) May 10, 2025

Justin Turner will be the DH

MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres Chicago Cubs designated hitter Justin Turner (3) after hitting a two run home run during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Image

Per the Cubs, Justin Turner will be the designated hitter, much to the chagrin of fans who wanted the veteran kicked off the team after his performance on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants.

night two in NY. pic.twitter.com/8EARFatNN2

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 10, 2025

Happ had the most at-bats for the Cubs this season with 160. He’s batting .269/.364/.381 with an OPS of .745 and 19 RBI.

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers May 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8), center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) and right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) celebrate after beating the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

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

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