Hit by pitch, Javier Baez suffers setback; unlikely back for home opener

Javier Baez’s series of tough luck continued and it’s unlikely he will be activated in time for the Cubs’ home opener Monday night.

Baez, who suffered a left thumb bruise March 20, hasn’t played for several days after a pitch grazed his helmet in a game at extended spring training in Arizona.

“He has not progressed a whole lot,” manager Joe Maddon said before Thursday night’s game against the Diamondbacks. “He got brimmed.”

Maddon said the setback cost him valuable time needed before he’s cleared to return.

“I doubt it,” Maddon said of Baez’s return on Monday against the Reds.

Baez is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Saturday but will stay in Arizona.

This marks the third setback for Baez in the last 10 months. Baez suffered a hand injury last June that sidelined him for about two months and cost him a chance at being promoted sooner than his September call-up.

Baez admittedly was “mad” over the fact he would miss his first major-league opening day because of his thumb bruise that came from him sliding into first base. The thumb is healing on schedule, according to the Cubs.

http://embed.sendtonews.com/player2/embedcode.php?fk=1K5jh214&cid=4591