Cubs' Baez takes leave after death of sister

The Cubs announced Thursday that Noely Baez, sister of infield prospect Javier Baez, has died at age 21.

Javier Baez will take a leave of absence from the Cubs' Class AAA Iowa affiliate to be with his family. Javier, 22, and Noely were especially close. The Cubs have asked fans to keep the Baez family in their thoughts and prayers.

A December 2013 cubs.com story detailed the bond between Javier and Noely, who had spina bifida.

"When my sister was born, doctors said she wouldn't last 20 minutes, that she wouldn't last from one room to another one," Javier said in the story. "Last November, she turned 20. Every day is special."