The Chicago Cubs did more than welcome Matt Shaw back to game action Wednesday night. They may have provided the first glimpse of an October contingency plan.
Shaw began his rehabilitation assignment with Triple A Iowa by going 1 for 3 against Toledo. The result was encouraging, but where the Cubs placed him was considerably more interesting.
Matt Shaw returned at second base
Shaw played five innings at second base during his first game since suffering a left hand sprain on June 28. It was hardly an unfamiliar position for the versatile 24 year old, yet the timing made the assignment difficult to dismiss as routine.
Dansby Swanson recently landed on the injured list with a Grade 2 oblique strain. His expected recovery period of four to six weeks creates a narrow path toward returning before the postseason.
In Swanson’s absence, Nico Hoerner has shifted to shortstop while Pedro Ramirez handles second base. Shaw’s immediate work at second suggests the Cubs want another version of that alignment available.
The potential postseason infield would feature Alex Bregman at third, Hoerner at shortstop and Shaw at second. Chicago would sacrifice some of Swanson’s defensive security, but it could gain another dangerous bat if Shaw finds his rhythm quickly.
Matt Shaw joins us on Major League rehab for tonight's game in Toledo! pic.twitter.com/H8KfJhjtnn
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) August 19, 2026
The Cubs have reason to explore every possibility
Shaw has produced a .246/.322/.415 slash line with a 105 OPS+ through 56 games this season. Those numbers will not get him confused with Shohei Ohtani, but they represent above average offensive production from someone capable of playing nearly anywhere.
The Cubs have already used Shaw at every infield position except shortstop and all three outfield spots. He lost his permanent position at third base when Chicago signed Bregman, but that move may have accidentally prepared him for a far more valuable October role.
Shaw can serve as a late game replacement, provide insurance across the diamond or enter the lineup against a favorable pitching matchup. If Swanson’s recovery extends into October, however, Shaw could become something more than a utility option.
Chicago entered Friday at 74-54 with a six game cushion atop the National League wild card standings. The Cubs are in strong position to reach the postseason, leaving Craig Counsell time to test different combinations before every lineup decision becomes a public referendum.
Shaw still needs more at bats with Iowa after missing nearly two months. His rehabilitation progressed slowly because he struggled to swing at full speed, so an immediate return should not be assumed.
Still, the Cubs did not place him at second base by accident. They now need to know whether Shaw can help cover Swanson’s absence, keep Hoerner at shortstop and give the lineup another capable hitter.
That experiment could last only a few weeks. It could also become the configuration Chicago carries into October.
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