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Cubs announce injury designation for rookie outfielder | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 21:29 GMT by Sporting News
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Chicago Cubs Place Rookie Outfielder on Injured List After Unexpected Injury

The Chicago Cubs announced on Tuesday that rookie outfielder Jonas “J.D.” Decker (25) has been placed on the 10‑day injured list (IL) following a sprain in his right ankle that occurred during a Thursday morning workout. The announcement came as a surprise to Cubs fans who had been eager to see the young player’s rookie season unfold, but the team emphasized that Decker’s recovery will be closely monitored and that he will receive the same support and medical care that the club offers its other top prospects.

Decker, a 2021 draft pick out of Clemson University, had been a fan favorite at the bottom of the outfield during the Cubs’ 2023 postseason run. He was promoted to the majors in late April 2024, and in his first month of MLB action Decker posted a .276 batting average with a .332 on‑base percentage and an impressive .512 slugging percentage. He also made a splash on the basepaths, stealing five bases in just 15 games. In his 2023 minor‑league season, Decker had been the league’s most valuable player, hitting .309 with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs for the Double‑A Tennessee Smokies. His speed, combined with a solid left‑handed bat, made him a key component of the Cubs’ offensive and defensive depth plans.

The injury occurred when Decker attempted a high‑energy outfield catch during a routine practice drill. He landed awkwardly on his right ankle, and the medical staff immediately suspected a sprain of the lateral ligaments. A quick on‑the‑spot MRI confirmed a Grade‑2 sprain, prompting the decision to move him to the IL. The Cubs’ general manager, Ben Cherington, stated that while the injury is serious, the prognosis is good: “We’re optimistic that J.D. will be back in shape and ready to contribute in a little over a week or so.” The team’s medical staff will begin a rehabilitation program that includes a combination of rest, physiotherapy, and a gradual return to field work.

In addition to Decker’s status, the article also highlighted how the Cubs’ 2024 roster is shaping up in light of the injury. With Decker on the IL, the Cubs will likely call up a player from their Triple‑A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs, to fill the outfield spot. The article linked to a recent report that the Cubs are considering bringing up outfielder Jade Berman (19), who is having a breakout year with the Iowa Cubs, batting .290 with nine home runs and 22 RBIs. Berman’s speed and defensive range could make him an ideal temporary replacement for Decker, and his performance in the minors suggests that he could make a quick transition to the majors.

The article also referenced a broader trend in the MLB injury landscape, citing a Baseball America analysis that highlights how the league’s schedule has intensified injuries across the board. According to the analysis, the Cubs are among the teams with the highest number of injuries to young prospects this season, and the organization’s coaching staff is working to implement better conditioning programs and injury prevention protocols.

While the Cubs’ front office appeared calm about the situation, fans on social media expressed both concern for Decker and excitement for the opportunity that his IL spot could provide for other young players. In one thread, a user noted that “it’s a good moment for someone like Berman to step up, but we’re all rooting for J.D. to heal fast.” Another user compared Decker’s injury to that of former Cubs outfielder J.C. Cespedes, who spent a similar amount of time on the IL early in his career before emerging as a cornerstone of the team’s lineup.

In a related move, the Cubs announced that they had extended the contract of their first‑base coach, Mike O’Brien, for another season. O’Brien, who has worked closely with Decker in the minor leagues, will continue to provide mentorship and guidance to the rookie outfielder as he works through his recovery.

The article concluded by noting that Decker’s IL placement will affect the Cubs’ roster strategy for the remainder of the month. The team’s depth charts indicate that, with Decker on the IL, the Cubs may have to shuffle some of their outfielders, possibly moving Omar Narvaez (the Cubs’ senior outfielder) to a more defensively specialized role in order to accommodate a replacement. Decker’s status will be updated as soon as the medical team determines the exact timeline for his return, and the Cubs will likely keep fans posted via their official social media channels.

While the Cubs’ decision to place Decker on the injured list temporarily reduces their immediate outfield options, it also underscores the organization’s focus on long‑term player health and development. The team remains optimistic that Decker will return fully prepared to contribute in the stretch run, and his injury has opened a window for other young players to shine in the Cubs’ competitive 2024 lineup.