Ian Happ, the Chicago Cubs left fielder, was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left oblique strain sustained on a swing during a game in New York on Friday, May 9, 2025. He played through the game but has not appeared since and was officially put on the IL on May 13, 2025. The team called up prospect Moises Ballesteros to fill his roster spot during his absence
. Happ was initially trying to play through the injury, but after a cautious workout on Monday, May 12, the Cubs decided to give him more rest to avoid prolonging the injury. Manager Craig Counsell indicated that the plan was to give Happ 4-5 days off and then gradually ramp up his activity with hopes of a minimum stay on the injured list
. At the time of his injury, Happ was batting .269 with a .364 on-base percentage, serving as the Cubs' leadoff hitter. The team is managing his absence by shifting center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong to the leadoff spot and utilizing Ballesteros primarily as a designated hitter. Happ is expected to return after a short recovery period, as the Cubs are taking a cautious approach to his rehabilitation to avoid setbacks
. In summary, Ian Happ is currently recovering from a left oblique strain, placed on the 10-day injured list in mid-May 2025, with an expected return soon after a careful rehab process.
