Nick Madrigal Leaves Early with Hamstring Tightness

Nick Madrigal has been swinging a hot bat since being called back up from Triple-A Iowa and he’s played decent defense at third base. Those may both be at risk, however, as he left the game due to hamstring tightness after pulling up and making contact with the side wall while pursuing a foul pop. He had driven in two runs with a double earlier in the game to lift his season wRC+ to 95 and was looking like the Cubs’ best option at the hot corner prior to this hiccup.

Madrigal appeared to have sort of given up on the ball while still several feet from the wall, which may have been a matter of the hammy grabbing. David Ross and trainer Nick Frangella came out to check on him and he stayed in the game for a few pitches before being lifted.

It may end up being nothing, though it’s hard to overlook his history with leg injuries and the fact that he really needs to be at full health in order for the bat to play. The Cubs now have a decision to make with the All-Star break looming, especially if Madrigal needs to sit for a few days. Patrick Wisdom has been rehabbing in Iowa, so maybe they just go ahead and put Madrigal on the IL rather than playing a man down.

We’ll have to wait to learn more about the specifics of the situation, so stay tuned. One interesting note about Madrigal leaving is that Christopher Morel had to sub in at third, thus eliminating the DH and forcing reliever Michael Fulmer to bat for himself. The former starter actually handled the bat pretty well before striking out, though I’m still glad we’re not seeing pitchers at the plate for anything other than emergency hacks.