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Cubs Manager Provides Clarity on Nico Hoerner Injury News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Miller | Last updated Feb 28, 2025 10:44 AM ET

The Cubs have their eyes set on the playoffs. That’s for sure. They have been competitive each of the last two years with back-to-back 83-win seasons, but the North Siders have not been quite good enough.

With several key additions during the offseason headlined by three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, the Cubs intend to end their four-year postseason drought. Their hopeful run is set to begin on March 18 and 19 against the Dodgers in Tokyo, Japan. Unfortunately, it has already been confirmed that a key cog in the Cubs’ machine will miss those contests.

Nico Hoerner underwent flexor tendon surgery back in October. He is still not back up to full strength just yet and will not make the trip overseas with the Cubs. On a positive note, the Gold-Glove second baseman is making definite progress in his recovery.

Manager Craig Counsell told the media Thursday that “it stinks,” but Hoerner’s rehab has “really taken a step forward” recently.

"I think we're very much tracking towards domestic Opening Day ... of him being ready for that."

Craig Counsell on Nico Hoerner. pic.twitter.com/dbZyutL4hT
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 27, 2025

Not only is Hoerner a standout with his defensive work at the keystone, but he has hit just shy of .280 while averaging 31 steals and 81 runs scored per season over the last three years. After underperforming a bit at the plate for much of 2024, the former first-round pick really came on strong down the stretch, batting .316 with 14 stolen bases over 50 games from August 1 forward.

Counsell went on to suggest that Hoerner “is still tracking” to be ready when the club begins playing regular season games stateside on March 27 at Arizona. Counsell stated that would have to be considered “a positive result” given Hoerner’s original surgery date.

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

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