Chicago Cubs: Team needs immediate response to Contreras injury

Willson Contreras could miss significant time and the Chicago Cubs need to move quickly on a solution for his replacement.

Willson Contreras pulled up lame just a couple of steps into his jog to first base and the Chicago Cubs hopes of winning the National League Central divison are suddenly in jeopardy. In the bottom of the 7th inning in the 4-1 victory over the Brewers on Saturday, Contreras smacked a deep fly ball to left-center field that was tracked down by Lorenzo Cain.

However, the camera and all Cubs fans eyes were focused on Contreras who couldn’t put any weight on his leg initially. He was helped off the field but not before showing some emotion both at the steps of the dugout and on the bench. By his reaction, you know it’s not good news and the Cubs need to prepare for him to miss significant time. He is going to get an MRI on Monday, per Joe Maddon in the postgame interview but the team needs to act fast in finding his replacement.

This injury comes on the heels just a few days after they traded away Martin Maldonado who they traded for when Contreras was nursing a foot injury. Maldonado played in just 4 games for the team but netted them second baseman and outfielder, Tony Kemp at the deadline.

Victor Caratini figures to be the starter now in what could end up being 4-6 weeks but the Cubs need to figure out who plays behind him. Taylor Davis is an option as he’s already been up with the team this season. If you recall, he mashed a grand slam in the series sweep against the Cardinals.

It looks like for the interim, he is going to be the backup but he struggled mightily as a backup earlier this season. Outside of his grand slam, Davis slashed just 0.200/0.294/0.400 (82 wRC+) with a 24 percent strikeout rate.

The Cubs need to strongly consider claiming Jonathan Lucroy off waivers as he was recently designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels. They should be familiar with him from his days with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The 33-year old was traded to the Rangers at the deadline in 2016 and has been on the Rockies, Athletics and Angels since then. Prior to being DFA’d, Lucroy was slashing 0.242/0.310/0.371 (84 wRC+) with 7 home runs and 30 RBI’s.

He’s had about the same production as Davis this season but strikes out at just a 15 percent clip. Lucroy has thrown out just 26 percent of  baserunners but he’s serviceable and he has playoff experience. Whatever the Cubs decide to do, they need to act swiftly to stay in the hunt for the division crown.