Baez unlikely to return for regular season, hopeful for playoffs

Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez will likely miss the remainder of the regular season after a hand specialist confirmed he has a hairline fracture in his left thumb, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times.

However, the specialist said the ligaments in Baez's thumb are in good shape, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.

Baez will rehab with the hope of returning in October should the Cubs make the postseason, Gonzales added. Chicago currently holds the second wild-card spot in the National League.

The 26-year-old All-Star injured his thumb during a slide attempt against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sept. 1.

Before his injury, Baez authored a .281/.316/.532 slash line with 29 home runs, 38 doubles, and 85 RBIs.

Chicago's shortstop situation has become complicated of late with Baez and Addison Russell out of action. Russell was hit in the head by a pitch Sunday and is in the concussion protocol.