With MLB teams flooding into their separate spring training camps across Florida and Arizona, fans will finally begin to get long-anticipated updates on each team’s key players. For the Chicago Cubs, it’s second baseman Nico Hoerner, who went through flexor tendon surgery back in October.

“He won’t miss much [time], if by any means,” said Cubs captain Craig Counsell on Monday, as revealed by Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network.

Hoerner, who has been a staple in the Cub’s middle infield over the past three seasons, showed up in a career high 151 games for Chicago in 2024. Hoerner has posted an OPS+ north of 100 in each season starting around 2022 and has stayed a pretty consistent batter during his tenure on the North Side.

The 27-year-old Hoerner slashed .273/.335/.373 across 641 plate appearances in 2024, swiping 31 bases along the way. Hoerner dwells in the middle of the diamond with Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, who has managed his portion of injury burdens.

Swanson signed with the Cubs in December of 2022 and has spent the last two seasons as the team’s shortstop. The 31-year-old Swanson led the league in games played during the 2021 and 2022 seasons while he was with the Atlanta Braves, playing in 160 and 162 games, respectively. Over his two seasons on the North Side, nonetheless, Swanson experienced some difficulty remaining on the field. Swanson missed some time in May with a knee sprain and, surprisingly, owned up to MLB.com that he played through a sports hernia during the season. Accordingly, Swanson went through a core surgery, which is supposed to be prepared for spring camp.

As a matter of fact, Counsell noticed that Hoerner’s surgery procedure likewise gives the team some protection in the event if Swansons experiences more difficulty.

“I want that Nico to be able to play shortstop. He needs to have the option to play shortstop when required,” Counsell said. “My goal for this—and Nico’s goal also for this—is to get him to that point, and that is important.”

The Cubs will start off their Cactus League season with a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on February 20. The first day of the regular season—additionally against the Dodgers—will be on March 18 in Tokyo.