Cubs promoting top prospect SS Hoerner from Double-A

The Chicago Cubs are promoting top prospect Nico Hoerner from Double-A Tennessee to fill their hole at shortstop, multiple outlets reported Monday. Chicago's first-round draft pick in 2018 (24th overall) out of Stanford, Hoerner hit .284 with 16 doubles, 22 RBIs and 37 runs in 70 games at Double-A this season.

The Cubs' No. 1-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline will make the leap due to injuries to both Javier Baez (fractured left thumb) and Addison Russell (possible concussion). As of midday Monday the team had not yet announced the promotion, which was first reported by the Chicago Tribune and confirmed by MLB.com.

Hoerner would become the first player from the 2018 draft class to reach the big leagues. Baez is scheduled to see a hand specialist in Chicago on Monday. Russell was hit by a pitch Sunday and is still being evaluated.