MESA, Ariz. — There were alarm bells ringing amongst Cubs fans on the first full day of squad workouts on Friday.

The team had missed out on star free agent third baseman Alex Bregman just a couple of days earlier and then, the in-house leader to win the job, top prospect Matt Shaw, was injured and not working out on that opening day of camp.

A few days later and things seem just a bit more optimistic.

[MORE: The Cubs had a wholesome surprise for Ryne Sandberg in spring training]

“Honestly, I feel really good,” the 2023 1st-round pick said Sunday morning. “It’s one of those things where it really wasn’t at the worst time. Maybe it’s good just to take a step back with everything that’s going on and take a breath here.

“So, we’ll be rocking and rolling pretty soon.”

Shaw has been cleared to run and do some defensive drills. The offensive side of his progression should come soon, though.

“I was gonna start hitting and throwing [on Saturday],” Shaw said. “They decided to do it Monday, just to start the new week. I’m pretty much cleared for everything, just at a lower level. Maybe like 70% but cleared for pretty much everything.”

Being in major league camp, around veterans has allowed him to keep the injury in perspective and not try to overwork and impress as he looks to win a job.

[READ: Owen Caissie wanting to be ‘fly on the wall’ in spring training]

“[Manager Craig Counsell], Nico [Hoerner], Dansby [Swanson], all these guys have just kind of in my ear, just saying, ‘Hey, it’s not worth pushing through just to get back to spring training game one,’” Shaw said. “The most important thing is getting healthy and being ready to rock and roll [in] a week or so.”

Intriguing matchups

The backfields at Sloan Park were the place to be on Sunday afternoon.

Kyle Tucker took his first live batting practice reps on Field 6, facing off against Shota Imanaga in his first at-bat. His second at-bat was against his former teammate — Ryan Pressly.

Tucker was tracking pitches — he didn’t swing in either at-bat, but fans still gathered to see two of the Cubs’ biggest acquisitions square off.

Imanaga faced outfielders Kevin Alcántara and Tucker, Rule 5 pick Gage Workman and infield prospect James Triantos and minor league outfielder Christian Franklin.  

Imanaga struck out Workman and surrendered a home run to Alcántara, who hit it to left center field off the lefty.