Contreras backs Hoerner staying with Cubs
Nico Hoerner was back at the leadoff spot Tuesday in Atlanta and, before the game, catcher Willson Contreras had some advice for Cubs management.
After a solid spring, Hoerner was sent back to the South Bend alternate site, which may or may not have been a ploy to manipulate his service time and delay free-agency down the road. Hoerner went into the game batting .429, easily best on the team.
"Nico has always been good to this team," Contreras said. "He's really focused. He's a guy that likes to win. He's a gamer. I'm really impressed the way he's been playing lately and that's something we should keep in mind before we do another move.
"I think this guy needs to be in the lineup on a daily basis. He's a high-energy guy. He takes good at-bats and he's always looking for ways to win the game. That's Nico Hoerner."
Hoerner has played shortstop the past two days while Javy Baez has been out with a hamstring issue.