Former Cubs OF Soler to miss start of season with injury |
Tony Crumpton
· · Tuesday, March 28 2017
Former Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler will more than likely begin the 2017 season on the disabled list for the Kansas City Royals after straining his oblique in a minor league game. Soler had a MRI on Monday and manager Ned Yost said he believes Soler will miss the opener after hurting himself on a swing.
Soler's injury history was part of the reason the Cubs traded him for closer Wade Davis last December. Soler has missed time in the last few years with a hamstring injury, another oblique injury and a sprained ankle. This spring Soler has struggled at the plate, batting just .143 with two home runs and five RBIs. Soler appears to be pressing at the plate as he has accrued 18 strikeouts in just 49 at-bats. In 2016, Soler batted .238 with 12 homers, 31 RBIs, .769 OPS and an on-base percentage of .333 on the season in 86 games. During the Cubs magical postseason, he had only two hits with 13 at-bats and three walks. For his career, he is a .258 hitter with 35 doubles, two triples, and 27 home runs. Davis also has not impressed for the Cubs after posting an ERA of 18.00 in six spring appearances. However, Cubs manager Joe Maddon says it is common for closers to not be sharp in spring training.
