The Cubs have called up prospect Javier Baez to the majors again and the former first round pick is joining young stars Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and Addison Russell for the Cubs run to try and make the playoffs in September.
With rosters expanding, teams often bring up prospects and now Baez is back with the team and he could stick around if he plays well. Here are some facts and figures to know about Baez as he comes back for the Cubs.
1. Baez was a first round pick in 2011 for the Cubs
Baez is a highly touted prospect and can play multiple infield positions and that is why he was a first round pick for the Cubs. Baez was drafted ninth overall in 2011 and it came after a distinguished high school career in Florida.
2. Baez can play multiple positions
Baez has played second base in the majors and in the past he has spent time at shortstop, center field and even as a catcher in high school. Baez gives the team some flexibility heading down the stretch and Joe Maddon could use him as a second baseman or in other spots.
3. Baez made his MLB debut in 2014
Baez came up last year and he had a tough time finding his way at the plate for his first stint with Chicago. Baez struck out a lot and hit just .169 with 95 whiffs in 52 games played. The Cubs obviously hoped for better results, but the team is confident in Baez and he improved a lot this season in the minors. Baez finished with 36 hits last season with nine home runs and 20 RBI and 25 runs scored in his time with the team.
4. Baez has been tearing it up in the minors recently. He was called up during a 16-game hitting streak
Baez did not start off spring training well and was sent back to the minors over making the major league club this season. Baez looked like he could get called up sooner than now, but he suffered an injury and that delayed things again. Baez came back and started hitting well, putting up a .324 batting average with 13 home runs in 70 games with Iowa. Baez also showed some gap power with 14 doubles. Baez came up as he was in a 16-game hitting streak and that gave him a .442 average over his last 10 games with Iowa.
5. Baez once broke a car window with a home run in batting practice.
Baez was working out in Arizona at the Cubs facility and he launched a home run out of the park, literally. The team had moved into a new facility and Baez was doing some batting practice work when he launched a huge home run. The ball travelled out of the park and broke a car window.
"Somebody told me, but I didn't know that," Baez said, per MLB.com. "It [stinks] for the person who parked there."
