The Chicago Cubs confirmed Thursday that top infield prospect Javier Baez sustained a non-displaced left thumb fracture during an Arizona Fall League Game. He will not return to the AFL and will instead spend his offseason recovering. Baez is expected to be healthy for the start of spring training.
Cubs prospect Javier Baez breaks thumb
Baez, one of Chicago’s top prospects, sustains the injury during an AFL game.
Jonathan Daniel
Baez, the Cubs’ first-round pick in 2011, began his 2012 campaign at Low-A Peoria, where he hit .333/.383/.596 in 235 plate appearances. He showed the ability to hit for power, hammering 16 home runs to go with 10 doubles and five triples. Chicago promoted Baez to High-A Daytona for the season’s last weeks, where he hit .188/.244/.400 in 86 plate appearances, including four home runs.
The Cubs sent the 19-year-old to the AFL to get some extra at-bats and time at third base. Although he was hitting just .211 at the time of the injury, Baez did have four home runs in 14 games. He will not take part in the AFL Rising Stars game on Saturday.
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