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Nico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs runs to first base against the Los Angeles Angels at Wrigley Field on March 30, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Chicago Cubs have dealt with more injuries this season. In what has become a common occurrence over the last couple of years, the team is dealing with multiple key injuries early in the year.

One of those key injuries is star infielder Nico Hoerner.

Hoerner, the Cubs’ second baseman, has gotten off to a hot start this season. Unfortunately, he left the team’s game on Friday due to a neck injury.

A new update was shared by Chicago on Saturday before taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hoerner is once again sidelined for today’s game, but it sounds like he’ll be back soon. Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports revealed the update.

“Cubs Nico Hoerner isn’t in the lineup today as he’s still experiencing symptoms in his neck,” McGregor reported on X. “Hope is he’ll be back in there tomorrow.”

Good News for the Cubs on Nico Hoerner

Thankfully, the injury isn’t serious. With the Cubs hoping that Hoerner will be back on the field on Sunday, he will have only missed a game and some change.

To begin the 2026 MLB season, Hoerner has been playing at a high level. He has been arguably the team’s most consistent player thus far.

In his first 32 games this year, the 28-year-old infielder has hit four home runs to go along with 26 RBI and seven stolen bases, while slashing .297/.374/.461.

Hoerner is needed back on the field as soon as possible. After defeating the Diamondbacks on Friday night, Chicago now holds a 20-12 record. It’s still early on in the year, but the Cubs are looking the part of a potential contender in the National League.

Chicago Has Dealt With Multiple Other Injury Issues

Most notably, the team saw star pitcher Cade Horton go down for the rest of the season due to an elbow injury. That loss was crushing, as he had projected to be one of the lead starters for Chicago this season.

Other notable injuries include Daniel Palencia, Justin Steele, Porter Hodge, Caleb Thielbar, Jordan Wicks, Phil Maton, and more.

If the Cubs are able to get healthy and stay healthy, the sky is the limit. They have an offense capable of producing runs in bunches and a talented pitching staff. Jed Hoyer has put together a roster that could very well win a World Series.

That being said, Chicago is only going to go as far as injuries allow it to go.

Hoerner should return to the lineup soon, which is great news for the Cubs. Palencia is also close to making his return to the mound.

Evan Massey Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst located in Indianapolis, Indiana who covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. He has been featured on many publications, including Newsweek, Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son. More about Evan Massey