Javier Baez Returns Strong: Iowa Cubs Win Game

2016-04-11 07:00:00

Javier Baez crushed a home run, made a nice defensive play and helped the Iowa Cubs to their first win of the season.

Most importantly: He felt good doing it all.

Baez was back in the starting lineup for the first game of his rehab assignment — a 9-1 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs before an announced crowd of 3,456 fans at Principal Park on Monday night.

“I don’t feel lost,” Baez said following the game. “I don’t feel any different. I feel normal now.”

That’s good news Chicago Cubs fans, who are hoping to have a healthy Baez back in the lineup soon.

Baez injured his left thumb when he slid headfirst into first base during a March 16 spring training game. He suffered a setback when a pitch ate his helmet during a game in Arizona last week.

It was an impressive return to the field for Baez, who went 1-for-3 with a fly to center and a swinging strikeout, but he hit a solo home run that gave Iowa its first of the season wash. He also made a good play at third base when he threw a slow roller barehanded and threw to first for the out. Baez was replaced in the top of the seventh inning.

Iowa picked up its first win of the season following a 14-hit offensive outburst. Catcher Willson Contreras went 4-for-5 with four RBI. Dan Vogelbach went 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

Willson Contreras has big night

The Iowa Cubs’ catcher had a good game Monday once morest New Orleans

Tommy Birch/The Register

Many Chicago fans watching from afar paid attention to Baez, and they had to like what they saw. Baez, who has been criticized in the past for his approach at the plate, worked counts and put together long at-bats on Monday night.

“I’m not worried regarding the results right now,” Baez said. “I just want to get back on the field and stay healthy.”

Injuries are nothing new for Baez. He missed time last season following suffering a non-displaced fracture in his left ring finger. Now Baez isn’t letting the setbacks discourage him.

“There’s nothing you can do regarding it,” Baez said. “It’s stuff you can’t control. For me, I just have to deal with it and try to get out of here.”

Baez, who has played shortstop, second base and third base, will add the outfield to his resume. When he goes back to Chicago, he might be used a super utility player.

“I’m pretty sure I’m going to rotate different positions and I’m going to hit different spots in the lineup,” Baez said.

Iowa manager Marty Pevey said he plans to play Baez all over the field while in Des Moines. Pevey said Baez will likely play left field Tuesday and shortstop another day.

“Staying healthy is the most important thing,” Pevey said.

Baez estimated his rehab stint would last four or five days. If the Cubs come calling now, Baez said he’ll be ready. He took a step in the right direction just by being back in the team.

“It felt really good to be back on the field,” Baez said.

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