Eloy Jimenez Has Bone Bruise, Out 3 Weeks

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — Tuesday afternoon at Sloan Park, Eloy Jimenez uncorked a throw from left field that was supposed to go toward home plate. Instead, it went wildly toward the Cubs’ dugout and wound up in about the third row of seats.

Over the weekend, Jimenez underwent an MRI on the shoulder to see if that wild throw was as the result of an injury. Turns out it was:

That isn’t good. Fortunately, it doesn’t appear serious:

Three weeks from now is April 10, which would be just after the minor-league season begins. I’d imagine Eloy will stay back at extended spring training for a few days after that to get back in baseball shape and then join whatever team he’s going to be assigned to this year. That’s most likely going to be the High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans in the Southern League.

Jimenez played in 16 big-league spring training games and hit .321/.355/.607 (9-for-25) with two doubles and two home runs. Much of that hitting was done off major-league pitchers. He didn’t look overmatched. And until this injury, he looked pretty good in the field.

If Eloy plays well at Myrtle Beach, I could see a promotion to Double-A before this season is over. It’s good to know the injury he suffered last week is minor.