Cubs prospect Caleb Kilian out extended time with shoulder strain
Kilian, 26, left a spring outing this week, undergoing an MRI on Wednesday. It was determined he would take several months to heal.
“Caleb was off to a great start,” Counsell said. “He should be very confident of where he was. That should help him over the next couple months and motivate him over how he was throwing the baseball. He got my attention. I know that.”
Kilian has appeared in six big league games over the past two seasons but hasn’t found his footing yet in the majors. He was acquired for Kris Bryant at the trade deadline in 2021.
Second baseman Nick Madrigal also underwent an MRI after leaving a game on Tuesday. It showed a mild strain in his right hamstring that will keep him down for at least seven days.
“We’re going to progress him over the next week, then we’ll have a good idea where we’re at,” Counsell said. “Still optimistic.”
Madrigal, 27, has a history of leg issues but appeared in a career-high 92 games last season. The 2018 fourth overall pick isn’t guaranteed a roster spot, as second-year player Christopher Morel has been getting first-team reps at third base this spring while Nico Hoerner is the starter at second base, Madrigal’s former position.
Madrigal is a career .280 hitter who rarely homers or strikes out, but he hasn’t been able to stay on the field long enough to establish himself as an everyday player. Now he’s slowed once again.
“Today it’s important to remember, it’s March 7,” Counsell said of the injury. “That’s what I told Nick. ‘And you do have a history here, so let’s be smart.'”