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Cubs Calling Up Top Prospect to Replace Injured All-Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tyler Maher | Last updated May 13, 2025 11:10 AM ET

Following Monday’s 5-2 win over the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs received good and bad news.

The bad news is that All-Star outfielder Ian Happ is heading to the injured list. The 30-year-old leadoff man has missed the Cubs' last three games with an oblique injury and will now be out awhile longer.

On the plus side, Chicago is calling up one of its top prospects to replace him in the lineup.

According to a report from Bruce Levine late Monday night, the Cubs will promote slugging catcher/first baseman Moises Ballesteros from Triple-A Iowa. Per Levine, he'll likely be in the starting lineup and make his MLB debut on Tuesday against the Marlins.

Breaking News - The Cubs will call up C/ DH Moises Ballesterous from Triple A Iowa. He will likely be in the starting lineup tomorrow. Ian Happ to go on IL with oblique issue.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) May 13, 2025

Ballesteros, 21, is ranked as Chicago's No. 4 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He's off to a terrific start in Triple-A this year, batting .368/.420/.522 with four home runs and 18 RBI over 34 games.

The NL Central-leading Cubs hope he can provide a similar production level in the big leagues. He's a .288/.371/.459 hitter across 386 career minor-league games, including a .311/.368/.477 batting line with 14 homers and 53 RBI in 102 games at Triple-A.

That type of thump is rare for a catcher, so Ballesteros has the potential to be one of the best hitters at his position if he achieves his potential. With his impressive power and plate discipline, he's reminiscent of Willson Contreras.

If Ballesteros debuts on Tuesday, he will likely face Valente Bellozo in his first MLB at-bat. The 25-year-old right-hander is 0-2 with a 3.50 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP, and a 14:10 K/BB ratio in 18 innings over four starts this season.

Basedsteros appears ready for the big leagues. Based on his success at Triple-A, he'll get a chance to prove himself and see if he belongs there.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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