Javier Baez Exits Marlins vs. Cubs as Groin Injury Diagnosed as Tightness

Chicago Cubs infielder Javier Baez left Monday's game against the Miami Marlins after suffering tightness in his right groin, the Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzales reported.

Baez was 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in the third inning before exiting. Tommy La Stella replaced him at second base.

Baez dealt with hamstring tightness during spring training. Entering camp, he had proved to be fairly durable, averaging 144 games in his first two full seasons in the majors. Add in 27 postseason games during that span, and he has proved to be dependable.

After being a key part of the Cubs' championship run in 2016, Baez hit .273 with 23 home runs, 24 doubles, two triples and 75 RBI last season.

The 25-year-old was hitting .286/.331/.639 with nine home runs, nine doubles and 29 RBI in 2018.

With Ben Zobrist as a utility player, the Cubs have a reliable veteran they can plug in to fill the hole at second base. The 2016 World Series MVP may not have Baez's flashy glove, but his ability to grind out at-bats and get on base should help Chicago overcome this injury.

Any team with Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Jon Lester and Yu Darvish will be able to hang around in contention. Having depth like Zobrist puts the Cubs in better position than most teams would be under these circumstances.