Shaw’s Absence Fuels Cubs’ Surge | Chicago Cubs News

Chicago Cubs News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 8, 2026 · 1m

The Cubs are on fire—winning five straight and staying hot in the NL Central—but their surge has a hitch: star hitter Matt Shaw’s return is delayed. Sprained left hand, plus an earlier back issue, have sidelined him longer than expected, with manager Craig Counsell confirming he’s still weeks away from swinging at full power. Despite his absence, the Cubs keep rolling thanks to rookie Pedro Ramírez stepping up and new addition Tyrone Taylor filling gaps. With playoff positioning secure, the team isn’t rushing Shaw back—but his bat and versatility would be a major boost as they push for…