Jorge Soler had yet another hamstring injury during Monday night's game, and it's bad enough that he'll have to sit for at least 15 days:
News from Philly: MRI confirmed Soler hamstring strain. He's headed to DL. Albert Almora called up to #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) June 7, 2016
Albert Almora Jr. (he now prefers the "Jr." after his name to honor his dad) was the Cubs' No. 1 pick (sixth overall) in 2012, the first No. 1 pick of the Theo Epstein regime. He's struggled at times in the minor leagues with the bat, but there is no question about his defense -- I'd say he could be one of the best defensive outfielders in the major leagues right now. I've seen him play a number of spring-training games over the last three years and he's just outstanding, both in the routes he takes to routine fly balls, as well as the spectacular catches he frequently makes.
There are hints this year that he might have turned a corner offensively, though he still doesn't walk much (seven times in 226 plate appearances at Triple-A Iowa). Overall he's hitting .318/.335/.444 with three home runs and three triples (he had just four triples all of last year in Double-A). Perhaps more significant is his 10 stolen bases -- already a career high -- in 12 attempts.
I'm sure Joe Maddon will get him some playing time; there's no use in bringing him to the big leagues to sit on the bench. He's been a Top-100 prospect each of the last three years and turned 22 in April.
Welcome to the big leagues, Albert.