Matt Shaw Takes Step Towards Recovery in Rehab Game with Iowa Cubs

As he embarks on his second season with the Chicago Cubs, Matt Shaw, once a highly regarded prospect, has adjusted to a new position within the team. After the Cubs acquired veteran Alex Bregman, Shaw transitioned from playing primarily third base to a versatile utility role. However, he now has the opportunity to return to daily play.

In his first rehabilitation game with the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park on June 2, Shaw went 0-for-3 and was removed from the game after six innings, as previously arranged. Batting second and playing center field, Shaw is looking to gain valuable at-bats as he recovers from an injury. “It's not like my role was necessarily everyday anyways in the big leagues, so I definitely feel good and obviously have some rest and am getting my back in a good place,” he stated after the game. “But I feel great.”

Shaw had been placed on the 10-day injured list on May 22, retroactive to May 20, due to tightness in his mid-back. Prior to his injury, the first-round draft pick had a batting average of .242, with 23 hits in 95 at-bats, including six doubles, three home runs, and three stolen bases in 42 games for the Cubs this season. His first challenge back came against Justin Verlander, a veteran pitcher on his own rehab assignment with the Toledo Mud Hens.

In his first at-bat, Shaw lightly flew out to left field, followed by a groundout to shortstop in the third inning, and concluded his night by lining out to center in the sixth. While the results may not have been what he hoped for, Shaw emphasized the significance of being back on the field. “It felt good,” he said. “I felt healthy. So, I was ready to rock and roll.”

Throughout the season, Shaw has played multiple positions, including first, second, and third base, as well as left, center, and right field, with most of his time spent in right field. Iowa manager Marty Pevey indicated that Shaw would serve as the designated hitter for the following game. “It’s definitely a lot easier to play one position than to move around a lot,” Shaw acknowledged, reflecting on the challenge of adapting to various roles. “I’m figuring it out.”

Shaw made a noteworthy catch in center field early in the game and anticipates continued playing time with the Iowa team as he edges closer to a return to the majors. When asked about the duration of his stay in Iowa, he expressed uncertainty, mentioning, “I’ve heard a couple of different plans but it sounds like I’ll get a few games in here, get my feet under me and then head back to Chicago.”