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Cubs Place Shaw on IL, Promote Hot Prospect Ramirez

5/23/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ramirez Promoted

The Chicago Cubs placed infielder Matt Shaw on the 10-day injured list with back tightness.
They promoted prospect Pedro Ramirez to the major-league roster.
Shaw appeared in 42 games, batting .242 with three homers and a .691 OPS.
Ramirez, 22, posted a .312/.395/.547 line, .942 OPS, nine homers, 40 RBIs and 19 steals in 43 games.
Manager Craig Counsell said Ramirez may serve as a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement.

Summary

Ramirez Excels

In 2026 with Triple-A Iowa, Pedro Ramirez posted a 92.4% in-zone contact rate, a 16.3% strikeout rate, and logged 44 left-field innings.
He earned International League Player of the Month for April, a 2025 Minor League Gold Glove at third base, and was MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 prospect and No. 85 overall.
Cubs President Jed Hoyer said the team must find internal solutions to stop a five-game losing streak.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 rookie Kerry Wood struck out 20 batters in his fifth start, setting a modern rookie record and earning NL Rookie of the Year for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs’ tradition of dramatic rookie impact resurfaced in 2026 when they promoted top prospect Pedro Ramirez, hoping his debut will echo Wood’s instant success as part of general manager Jed Hoyer’s internal-solution plan.

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Ramirez Promoted

The Chicago Cubs placed infielder Matt Shaw on the 10-day injured list with back tightness.
They promoted prospect Pedro Ramirez to the major-league roster.
Shaw appeared in 42 games, batting .242 with three homers and a .691 OPS.
Ramirez, 22, posted a .312/.395/.547 line, .942 OPS, nine homers, 40 RBIs and 19 steals in 43 games.
Manager Craig Counsell said Ramirez may serve as a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement.

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