Cubs call up star prospect as Ian Happ hits IL

The Chicago Cubs will be without Ian Happ for a while, as the infielder/outfielder is expected to hit the 10-day disabled list because of an oblique issue.

With Happ, who has missed the last three Chicago games, not available, Chicago has promoted star prospect Moisés Ballesteros from the minors. He can make his big league debut this Tuesday night against the Miami Marlins in the second game of a three-leg series at Wrigley Field.

“Breaking News – The Cubs will call up C/ DH Moises Ballesteros from Triple-A Iowa. He will likely be in the starting lineup tomorrow. Ian Happ to go on IL with oblique issue,” shared Bruce Levine of The 670 Score via a post on X on Monday night.

Ballesteros played first base and catcher in the minors, but he might not play either role against the Marlins. For one, the Cubs may find it hard to have his start over catcher Carson Kelly, who boasts a 1.114 OPS so far in the 2025 MLB regular season. Meanwhile, Michael Busch, at first base, is hitting .267/.353/.533 in his last five games.

Related Chicago Cubs NewsArticle continues below

However, Busch also went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in Monday’s 5-2 victory against Miami. A designated hitter role could be in the offing for Ballesteros. Chicago is just 16th in the big leagues in 2025 with just a 100 wRC+ in the designated hitter position, as Justin Turner is hitting only .155 to date. Meanwhile, Seiya Suzuki, the most-used DH by the Cubs, is hitting .245/.306/.510.

Regardless of which position Ballesteros will occupy, Cubs fans will have their attention on him once he sets foot at the plate. The 21-year-old Venezuelan is a career .288/.371/.459 hitter in the minor leagues with 50 home runs and 218 RBIs. He has turned heads with his performance at the plate in 2025 with Triple-A Iowa Cubs. slashing .368/.420/.522 with four home runs and 18 RBIs through 34 games and 150 plate appearances.

Hopefully for the Cubs, Ballesteros will be able to cover for what they’re missing from Happ’s bat. On the season, the 30-year-old Happ is hitting .269/.364/.381 with three home runs with 19 RBIs and an OPS+ of 114.


Rexwell Villas is an experienced sports writer covering a variety of sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college football. He’s a Communications Arts graduate from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines.

Related Posts

Braves’ Snitker ejected, Olson tossed for 1st time in MLB career for arguing interference call

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker and first baseman Matt Olson were ejected from Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh for arguing with umpires about a batter’s…

Bochy’s Hush on Rangers Future Fuels Explosive Retirement Debate

The Texas Rangers missed the postseason, but Bruce Bochy is not ready to reveal his future as the team’s manager.

Alex Corа getѕ roаѕted for hіѕ commentѕ раіntіng Red Sox аѕ underdogѕ

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora was roasted for his comments this week attempting to paint the team as underdogs.

Giants’ Bullpen Star Faces Devastating 2026 Wipeout After Surgery Blow

One of the biggest gut punches the SF Giants got in 2025 was the news that All-Star reliever Randy Rodríguez had to undergo Tommy John surgery. He has undergone

Astros’ Dynasty Nears Collapse After Crushing Loss to Angels

The Astros blew a 3-0 lead to the Angels and now face elimination, with their dynasty run of eight straight playoff trips on the brink.

Ex-All-Stаr ріtcher рleаdіng to re-ѕіgn wіth the Cаrdіnаlѕ іn free аgency

Veteran pitcher holding onto hope he will be back in St. Louis next season