Chicago Cubs received welcome news on the status of one of their top prospects: Report

Shaw gave Cubs fans a scare when it was reported that he was dealing with an oblique issue. However, it appears to be nothing serious, with 670 The Score Bruce Levine saying that Shaw can begin light hitting on Monday.

“First take @670TheScore-Cubs Matt Shaw said he can begin light hitting today after straining his oblique Monday. He has sat out four days.”

A clear path for the rookie to be a starter

Thankfully this is nothing serious, and Shaw should be scheduled to play in the Cub’s first exhibition game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Feb 20. Now that the Alex Bregman sweepstakes are over, the 23-year-old can breathe a little easier knowing he has a clear path to being the Cubs starting third baseman.

Shaw has all the ability to be a good offensive player in the big leagues. Shaw has shown the ability to hit by having a 60/80 grade for his hit tool, and decent grades for his power (55/80) and speed (55/80). Currently ranked as the No. 19 overall prospect in baseball, Shaw has a clear path to be the Cub’s starting third baseman, given his offensive upside. The only thing Shaw has to prove is, whether he can be a capable defensive third baseman.

Shaw has played 67 games at third base in his time down in the minor leagues. Originally drafted as a shortstop, Shaw will follow the same path as the aforementioned Alex Bregman did, with he too being a natural shortstop, but having to be moved to third with the Astros having Carlos Correa there.

The Massachusetts native should have a good season, with Marquee Sports Network projecting that Shaw will play in 123 games this season, where he’ll hit .253 have 17 HRs, 63 RBI, have an OPS of .729, and have 16 stolen bases. If Shaw can put up those numbers, he will certainly finish the year in the Rookie of the Year voting.

This could’ve been worse

Thankfully this is nothing serious and with a little rest and more time off, Shaw should be ready to go on Monday as Levine stated.

The Cubs have high expectations for Shaw and will need him to be healthy if they’re to have success.

The Cubs will open their season in Japan on March 18, where the Cubs will take on the reigning World Series Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.