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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 17: Nico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs looks on during batting practice prior to the game against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field on April 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

On Friday, the Chicago Cubs are playing the Arizona Diamondbacks (at home) for the first game of their series.

Nico Hoerner had one hit and one run in his only at-bat of the game.

However, he has now left with an injury.

Underdog MLB wrote: “Status alert: Nico Hoerner leaves game Friday.”

Cubs Make Nico Hoerner Annoncement

GettyNico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates his two-run home run against the New York Mets during the second inning at Wrigley Field on April 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

The Cubs have now announced the diagnosis on Hoerner.

They wrote (via X): “Nico Hoerner left today’s game with left-sided neck tightness.”

The status of Hoerner going forward will be something to monitor, as he is one of the team’s most important players.

He came into the day batting .291 with 37 hits, four home runs, 26 RBI’s, 16 runs and seven stolen bases in 31 games.

Sammy Lunch of Chicago Sports Nation wrote: “Matt Shaw has been subbed in for Nico Hoerner in the 2nd inning. It looked like to me that something happened to Nico while running to 2nd after his double. Hopefully it’s nothing serious.”

Hoerner’s MLB Career

GettyNico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs makes a throw to first for an out during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Hoerner was picked in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft.

He is in his eighth MLB season (all with the Cubs).

The 28-year-old (who was won two Gold Glove Awards) is coming off a season where he batted .297 with seven home runs, 61 RBI’s, 89 runs and 29 stolen bases in 156 games.

GettyNico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates hitting a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field on April 21, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

Cubs And Diamondbacks This Season

The Cubs have had a solid start to the 2026 season with a 19-12 record in 31 games.

They are the second-place team in the National League Central (and 11-5 in 16 games at home).

After three games against Arizona, the Cubs will remain in Chicago to host the Cincinnati Reds.

GettyNico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after flying out to Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are the third-place team in the National League West with a 16-14 record in 30 games.

They have gone 7-8 in the 15 games they have played outside of Arizona.