{"id":1030015,"date":"2026-08-28T18:53:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T18:53:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/1030015\/"},"modified":"2026-08-28T18:53:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T18:53:17","slug":"cubs-activate-matt-shaw-hand-after-2-months-on-injured-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/1030015\/","title":{"rendered":"Cubs activate Matt Shaw (hand) after 2 months on injured list"},"content":{"rendered":"

CHICAGO — The Cubs<\/a> received a boost Friday morning ahead of a crucial homestand against divisional rivals when utilityman Matt Shaw<\/a> was activated off the injured list.<\/p>\n

Shaw last played for the Cubs on June 28 before landing on the injured list with a sprained left hand. When he first was sidelined, Shaw and the Cubs weren’t expecting it to be a long-term issue.<\/p>\n

“It was one of those things where I assumed it was going to be quicker,” Shaw said. “It ended up taking a really long time, so it tested my patience for sure. I’m glad to be back.”<\/p>\n

Outfielder Kevin Alc\u00e1ntara was optioned to Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move.<\/p>\n

Shaw said this week has been crucial in his recovery. He played in back-to-back games Tuesday and Wednesday on a minor league rehab assignment and said he could finally swing “full effort with no pain.”<\/p>\n

He was not in the starting lineup Friday against the Cincinnati Reds<\/a>but will likely see regular playing time against left-handed pitchers while providing a key, versatile piece for the Cubs. He has started at six positions on the diamond this season.<\/p>\n

“Matt does a bunch of things well,” manager Craig Counsell said. “He makes the roster better.”<\/p>\n

Shaw could see some time at second base, as Nico Hoerner<\/a> has shifted over to play shortstop with Dansby Swanson<\/a> on the injured list. Rookie Pedro Ram\u00edrez<\/a> has drawn most of the starts at second base in Swanson’s absence.<\/p>\n

Swanson took ground balls and did some light defensive work Friday at Wrigley Field. He was placed on the injured list Aug. 17 with a left oblique strain, and the Cubs said at the time that they expected him to miss about four weeks.<\/p>\n

“He’s doing good,” Counsell said. “We’re on the track that we originally forecasted, so all good.”<\/p>\n

Right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera (blister) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is slated to throw another with hitters Saturday. He will then head out on a rehab assignment, and the Cubs plan to use him in “shorter stints” upon his return.<\/p>\n

As for Ben Brown<\/a>, the Cubs have no more clarity on the right-handed pitcher who experienced a setback with his neck injury earlier this week.<\/p>\n

“We’re gathering opinions still,” Counsell said. “No path forward from that has been determined at all.”<\/p>\n

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