CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 2: Nick Madrigal of the Chicago Cubs stands on deck in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on April 2, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)
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The Chicago Cubs entered September with a comfortable postseason position, but an injury to one of their most important infielders created another test for a team trying to make a deep October run.
Dansby Swanson’s absence forced Chicago to lean on its defensive versatility while looking for ways to maintain stability around the infield.
“There’s no replacing Dansby,” Nico Hoerner said at the time, according to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian. “It just stinks. Yeah, I think our team’s in a good place to handle it, but I think you’re also going to feel just how valuable Dansby is in his absence, right? That’s a hard thing to cover.”
The Cubs have done a good job covering for their star shortstop and he’s nearing his return. But in the meantime, the sudden infield questions offered an interesting backdrop for the latest development for a long-time Cubs option who has been searching for a return to the majors this season.
Chicago Cubs’ Former Infielder Returns To MLB
The Tampa Bay Rays have selected a long-time Cubs third and second baseman after their own infielder was placed on the injured list, giving him another opportunity to contribute at the major league level.
“The Tampa Bay Rays have placed INF Taylor Walls (right hip flexor strain) on the 10-day IL (retro to 9/6) and selected INF Nick Madrigal from Triple-A Durham,” the team announced on Tuesday, as it sat in first place in the American League. “Madrigal will wear No. 20.”
The promotion comes after Madrigal spent the season working his way back toward another major league opportunity with the Los Angeles Angels, though he was put on waivers in June and picked up by the Rays.
“Madrigal opened the season in the Angels organization,” Charlie Wright wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “He received a chance in the majors after Yoan Moncada and Nolan Schanuel went down with injuries in May. The veteran infielder spent four weeks with the big-league club. He posted a 105 wRC+ in 15 games with the Angels. As has been typical in his career, Madrigal’s offensive contributions centered on good plate discipline and solid on-base skills.”
Former Chicago Cubs Infielder Returns To AL East Race
Madrigal’s return also represents another chapter in a career that once made him a significant part of the Cubs’ plans.
Chicago acquired Madrigal from the White Sox at the 2021 trade deadline in the deal that sent Craig Kimbrel across town. Madrigal made his Cubs debut in 2022 and eventually became a versatile option around the infield before departing after the 2024 season.
His best extended opportunity with Chicago came in 2023, when he appeared in 92 games and hit .263 with a .663 OPS while adding 10 stolen bases. The following season was more difficult, as he hit .221 in 51 games before a hand injury ended his year.
Now, Madrigal has another chance with a first-place team. Tampa Bay entered Wednesday with an 86-58 record and a four-game lead in the American League East.
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