Nico Hoerner available for Cubs at second base only

Nico Hoerner is back in good health and ready to play second base for the Chicago Cubs when the regular season resumes on Thursday. However, he will not be available to play shortstop for about a month. Cubs manager Craig Counsell mentioned that if something happens to shortstop Dansby Swanson early in the season, the team will likely choose someone else to step in. Hoerner is recovering from surgery on his right flexor tendon and has said he can make throws from shortstop. Still, the coaching staff wants to be cautious with his return. Meanwhile, Jon Berti, Vidal Brujan, and Gage Workman are in contention to serve as backup shortstops. Brujan also acts as the only backup center fielder, while the Cubs could consider moving Kevin Alcantara up from Triple-A Iowa if needed. Rookie third baseman Matt Shaw is gaining confidence after making impressive defensive plays in recent games. He has focused on improving his skills at third base and understands the importance of strong defense for the team. Shaw has been practicing his reads of the ball and feels that he is growing as a player. Although Counsell did not make predictions about the National League Central division standings, he agreed with Cubs owner Tom Ricketts that the team should aim for the playoffs. The Cubs have a tough schedule coming up, with 21 of their next 24 games against playoff contenders. In other news, left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga is feeling better after a tiring trip to Japan. He reported feeling exhausted from numerous interviews and meetings with fans. Imanaga is set to make his next start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, while pitcher Javier Asaad is recovering from an oblique strain and is expected to throw batting practice soon.