Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner was forced to exit Friday’s matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field after experiencing stiffness on the left side of his neck.
The second baseman started the game on a positive note, leading off the bottom of the first with a double. However, when the Cubs came to bat in the second inning, Hoerner was nowhere to be found in the batter’s box. Matt Shaw stepped in as a pinch hitter and grounded out, then remained in the game to handle second base duties.
The 28-year-old Hoerner has been performing well this season, posting a .297 batting average along with four home runs and 26 RBIs across 32 games. Throughout his eight-year major league career, which he has spent entirely in a Cubs uniform, Hoerner has maintained a .283 batting average with 40 home runs and 304 RBIs over 736 games.
Shaw, who took over for the injured player, brought his own solid numbers into the contest. The 24-year-old has been hitting .301 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 28 games this season.
