Javier Baez (thumb) scratched from Cubs' lineup on Monday

Chicago Cubs infielder Javier Baez was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to soreness in his left thumb.

What It Means:

Baez took a knee to the face on a slide during Sunday's contest, and while there was some initial concern about his vision and head, it appears he injured his thumb. He will be available off the bench and is considered day-to-day. Mike Freeman will start at shortstop and bat eighth for the Cubs versus Pirates right-hander Chad Kuhl.

Baez is batting .271/.315/.489 with a .804 OPS this season while turning in 21 home runs, 67 RBI, 63 runs scored, and 9 steals across 123 games. numberFire's models project him to record a .267 batting average with 3 home runs, 10 RBI, 10 runs scored, and 2 steals in 80 remaining plate appearances.