The Chicago Cubs suffered a blow to their outfield depth this week as left-handed hitting prospect Owen Caissie was shut down because of a groin strain. The team also revealed that the 22-year-old underwent core surgery in the offseason.
On Saturday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell provided and update on Caissie and at this point it's fair to say that the outfielder won't be fully really by the start of the regular season. Counsell said Caissie is still undergoing treatment for his injury.
The Cubs started Cactus League action in spring training a few days ago, but Caissie remains shut down and is currently not participating in any on-field training with the rest of his teammates.
Owen Caissie is dealing with a groin strain and is not participating in baseball activities, Craig Counsell announced. pic.twitter.com/VWKDlYhwNQ
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 22, 2025
The Cubs begin their season with a two-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan on March 18, and because of that trip the team has an abbreviated spring training schedule. The Cubs will be leaving in a few weeks and in all likelihood Caissie won't be joining the trip as he continues to rehab his groin injury.
Caissie played in 127 games with the Iowa Cubs at Triple-A in 2024. He slashed .278/.375/.472, and hit 19 home runs, producing a solid 121 wRC+ in 549 plate appearances.
Following several offseason moves that cleared roster spots Caissie was positioned to be one of the first call ups in 2025 if needed because of an injury in the outfield. The Cubs non-tendered veteran Mike Tauchman, traded Cody Bellinger and just this past week the team designated 24-year-old outfielder Alexander Canario for assignment.
Unfortunately for Caissie, the injury will slow him down to begin the 2025 campaign, meaning other guys will now climb the depth chart early in the season before Caissie is able to return at 100%.
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