Cubs Make Ian Happ Announcement After Removal From Lineup

Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Cubs Make Ian Happ Announcement After Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 6, 2026 1:54 PM ET

Ian Happ is the longest tenured player on the Chicago Cubs. The 32-year-old veteran debuted nearly a decade ago back in 2017 and has been one of the most valuable hitters on the roster ever since.

He has earned an All-Star selection and is on pace to play over 148 games for a sixth straight season. This year Happ has posted a .221 batting average, .326 on-base percentage, .743 OPS, 23 home runs and 64 RBIs.

While his numbers are down slightly, he remains an important part of this Cubs lineup, making it that much deeper as the postseason approaches. This could mark Happ’s final year in a Chicago uniform as he is set to enter unrestricted free agency next winter.

Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Happ was originally included in Sunday’s lineup for Chicago’s series finale against the Miami Marlins. However, just minutes before first pitch the Cubs decided to remove him entirely.

Happ will not be available in any capacity on Sunday, leaving the team slightly shorthanded. Tyrone Taylor took over in his place in left field, hitting ninth in the batting order.

The Cubs announced the reason for Happ’s removal was injury. “Ian Happ was scratched from today’s Cubs lineup with left knee discomfort,” reported Vinnie Duber of The Chicago Sun-Times.

Ian Happ was scratched from today’s Cubs lineup with left knee discomfort.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) September 6, 2026

It is unclear when Happ originally suffered the setback, but he likely felt it surface during pregame warmups leading to the late scratch. Taylor would certainly be the replacement for Happ if he is forced to head to the 10-day injured list, with Michael Conforto also being an option.

The team obviously hopes that is not the case, as any injured list placement at this point in the season would be effectively season-ending and jeopardize his availability for the playoffs. Manager Craig Counsell will likely comment on the severity of the injury after the game.

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

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