MESA, Ariz. – Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner will not be making the trip to Japan next month for the Tokyo Series, manager Craig Counsell announced Thursday, and will instead stay behind to continue his buildup after undergoing right flexor tendon surgery in October.
“We’re excited about where Nico’s at,” Counsell said. “This is a good news situation.”
Hoerner is “tracking towards” being ready for domestic opening day against the Diamondbacks on March 27. The plan is to have him play in minor-league spring training games while the team is in Japan. Counsell said Hoerner’s rehab has taken a “big step forward” in the last few weeks.