 (2).png)
3 weeks ago
3
ARTICLE AD BOX
Chicago Cubs will monitor Matt Shaw’s recovery closely, but for now, all eyes will be on Pedro Ramírez. His first big-league steps could spark a much-needed offensive surge for the side.
Chicago Cubs' Pedro Ramirez connects for a grand slam against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning of a spring training baseball game Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)(AP)The Chicago Cubs have shaken up their infield just days into a critical stretch of the 2026 MLB season. On Friday, the team placed 24-year-old infielder Matt Shaw on the 10-day injured list with back tightness, retroactive to May 20. In a corresponding move, the club recalled its No. 2 overall prospect, 22-year-old Pedro Ramirez, marking his first-ever promotion to the major leagues.
Ramirez, who can play both second and third base, was not in the starting lineup for Friday’s home game against the Houston Astros. His arrival gives manager a much-needed boost in versatility and youth as the Cubs push to stay competitive in the National League Central.
Matt Shaw’s season comes to sudden halt
Matt Shaw has been a steady presence in the Chicago Cubs lineup this year, appearing in 42 games and batting .242 with three home runs and 12 RBIs. In the previous season, the young infielder turned heads as a rookie, hitting .226 with 13 homers and 17 stolen bases across 126 games. He finished ninth in voting for the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year award, showing promise as a future cornerstone.
Back tightness has sidelined Shaw before, and the Cubs are taking a cautious approach to avoid a longer absence. The IL placement opens the door for fresh talent while giving Shaw time to heal and return stronger later this month.
Pedro Ramirez ready to shine in first big-league call-up
Pedro Ramirez has dominated at Triple-A Iowa this season, posting an impressive .312/.395/.547 slash line with nine home runs, 40 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases in just 43 games. His defensive skills earned him a Minor League Gold Glove Award at third base in 2025, proving he’s more than ready for the next level.
The young switch-hitter first signed with the Cubs organization in 2021 at age 17. Since then, he has steadily climbed the ranks, blending power, speed, and elite glove work. Cubs insiders describe him as a dynamic two-way threat who can immediately impact both the lineup and the field.
With Ramírez now on the 26-man roster, the Cubs gain extra flexibility in the infield. He brings speed on the bases and a bat that has already shown major-league potential in the minors. While he did not start Friday night, expect to see him in action soon, possibly as a pinch-hitter or late-inning defensive replacement against the Astros.
What this Means for Chicago Cubs and the season ahead
This move highlights the Chicago Cubs’ commitment to blending proven major-league pieces with top-tier prospects. Matt Shaw’s injury is unfortunate, but Ramirez’s promotion injects excitement and energy into the clubhouse at a key time. The Cubs continue their series against Houston this weekend, giving fans a chance to witness the debut of one of baseball’s brightest young talents.
About the Author
Aachal Maniyar
Aachal Maniyar is a Senior Content Producer at LiveMint, where she covers US sports with a focus on major leagues, marquee events, and athlete-driven stories, while also reporting extensively on cricket and global sports. With over five years of first-hand journalism experience, she combines sharp editorial judgment with real-time sports storytelling across platforms. <br><br> Her reporting journey spans leading newsrooms including Thomson Reuters, India TV, BTVI, ET NOW, and CNBC TV18, where she has worked across breaking news, live match coverage, feature writing, interviews, video scripting, and anchoring. This multi-platform exposure has shaped her ability to deliver context-rich sports and business journalism tailored for both television and digital audiences. <br><br> Aachal has conducted and produced exclusive interviews with athletes and public figures such as India cricketer Dhruv Jurel, Indian women’s hockey captain Savita Punia, and industrialist Ratan Tata, along with several emerging and established sports personalities. Her body of work includes in-depth explainers, athlete profiles, emotionally resonant fan narratives, and data-backed match analysis across cricket, Olympic sports, and international competitions. <br><br> She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune, and believes in reporting that is grounded in accuracy, clarity, and credibility. Her philosophy is simple: sports journalism should go beyond scores and statistics, capturing the human stories, pressure moments, and decisions that shape the game and the people who play it.
English (US) ·