The Chicago Cubs are off to a dream start in spring training, sitting pretty at 6-0. The energy? Electric. The momentum? Sky-high. And with the Tokyo Series against the Dodgers on the horizon, excitement is building fast.

But hold on—there’s one major concern looming over the team. Matt Shaw. As optimism swirls around the Cubs, uncertainty follows Shaw. So what’s the issue?

Matt Shaw, a youngster with promising talent, has become one of the Cubs’ most talked-about players recently. A dynamic presence in both the field and at the plate, he seemed destined to shine in the Tokyo Series. However, a devastating oblique injury has sidelined him for over two weeks now. The injury has derailed his chances of making it to Japan, hitting the Cubs’ hopes of a successful opening day a major blow. As Shaw battles through his recovery, the Cubs are left to weigh in on the decision of rushing him or giving him the time.

The injury, though not serious, has kept him out of Cactus League games for over two weeks. With less than three weeks until the Tokyo Series, his chances of being ready are slim. Each day, Shaw pushes through light workouts—throwing, fielding, taking swings in the batting cage—but the return remains out of reach. For Shaw, it’s more than just a missed opportunity; it’s a chance to prove himself on the global stage.

With less than three weeks until they board the plane to Japan, the Cubs are faced with a tough choice. Shaw’s absence would certainly leave a void in the offense, making their task against the Dodgers even more challenging. The Tokyo series is a big deal, but the Cubs know Shaw’s long-term health is far more important. Even if the Tokyo Series slips through his fingers, this is just the first chapter of Matt Shaw’s story. When the time comes, he will be ready to make his mark!

The Cubs’ third base dilemma: who will fill in the void?

With Matt Shaw sidelined by a lingering oblique injury, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in an unexpected dilemma at third base. Shaw, who was expected to be the team’s starting third baseman, is now recovering while the season opener is in sight.

As a result, Gage Workman and Jon Berti have stepped into the spotlight, vying for the starting role at the hot corner. Berti, a seasoned veteran known for his speed and versatility, has been impressive this spring. With 136 career starts at third base since 2019, the 34-year-old brings invaluable experience and defensive reliability. His ability to play at multiple positions adds to his appeal. While his bat hasn’t been the star of the show, his quickness on the field and the depth he offers as a utility man are qualities the Cubs can count on.

And then there’s Gage Workman, a Rule 5 draft pick who’s yet to prove himself at the Major League level. While his offensive production is still a question mark, his defensive abilities are one to watch out for. However, Workman’s fate is tied to staying on the active roster, which means he’ll need to prove his worth with both the glove and the bat. Matt Shaw’s injury may have opened a door for Workman, but with such a limited sample size, the Cubs are yet to be convinced.

So will it be Berti’s experienced presence and versatility or Workman’s undeniable potential? The question will be answered in the coming weeks.