(670 The Score) The Cubs hope to get infielder Jeimer Candelario back either Sunday or Tuesday, manager David Ross said Friday.
Candelario has been sidelined since Sept. 10 due to a back strain.
“He’s such a balancing part of our lineup,” Ross said. “He’s going through full baseball activity today. We’ll see how he reacts tomorrow. Looking at it, I think the best-case scenario is probably Sunday. If not, Tuesday is the hope.”
Prior to his back ailment, Candelario had been a regular in the Cubs’ lineup since they acquired him in a trade from the Nationals in late July. He has hit .237 with five homers, 16 RBIs and a .773 OPS in 36 games with the Cubs this season. He has 21 homers and an .811 OPS in 135 games in 2023.
Candelario has made 17 starts at third base and 15 starts at first base for the Cubs this season. He has also been used as the designated hitter a few times.
The Cubs open a three-game series against the Rockies on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Pregame coverage starts at 12:45 p.m. on 670 The Score, with first pitch set for 1:20 p.m. Entering play Friday, the Cubs are tied with the Marlins for the final National League wild-card spot, but Miami holds the tiebreaker.
After concluding their series against the Rockies on Sunday, the Cubs have an off day Monday before opening a three-game series at the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.