MESA, Ariz. — One of the Cubs’ top prospects will be shut down for the foreseeable future.

Outfielder Owen Caissie is dealing with a groin strain, manager Craig Counsell announced on Saturday morning.

“Right now, we’re in the training room, treatment only, not doing any baseball activities,” Counsell said. “We’ve got a little setback there that’s going to cause them to miss some time in spring training.”

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It’s a tough blow for the 22-year-old, who underwent offseason core surgery near the end of October. The Cubs still aren’t too sure if the injured groin is directly related to that operation. Caissie was always a long shot to make the roster because the Cubs outfield picture is loaded with options.

Caissie’s prognosis was one of a few injury updates that Counsell provided on Saturday.

Nico Hoerner (flexor tendon surgery) continues his ramp-up. Saturday, he played long toss on the agility field at Sloan Park. The Cubs still don’t have a timeline for the former Gold Glove winner or whether or not he’ll be ready for Japan or the domestic opener at the end of March.

“I will tell you that I think right now, we’re at a point of like — we urge the player not to get too far ahead of himself,” Counsell said. “I think it’s important that we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves, too.

“I don’t mean to not answer your question here. This is really how we’re thinking about it.”

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Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ top prospect and the leading candidate to be the Cubs’ Opening Day third baseman, is still hitting in the cage. He started camp sidelined with a left oblique injury.

“Later in the week, you’ll see him on the field with the hitting and throwing of ground balls,” Counsell said. “So, we’re still kind of moving forward.”

Alcántara continues to rake

Kevin Alcántara has put on a show early in Cactus League play — and he continued it on Saturday during the Cubs’ 7-3 win over the White Sox.

The 22-year-old had an RBI single in the 5th inning, his third straight game with a hit. He scored a batter later when Michael Busch singled to left field. Alcántara was attempting to steal second when Busch connected. Alcántara raced toward third and was sent home by third base coach Quintin Berry, scoring when the throw went past catcher Matt Thaiss.

Alcántara finished 1-for-3 and is 5-for-8 this spring, a .625 batting average. His single capped off a nice run of hits from Cubs prospects.

Moisés Ballesteros led off the frame with a single to left and two batters later, infielder James Triantos doubled to right field to put both runners in scoring position. Gage Workman grounded out to plate Ballesteros, then Ben Cowles doubled to center to score Triantos. Outfielder Christian Franklin then walked, setting the stage for Alcántara.

Up Next

The Cubs host the Rangers at 2:05 p.m. on Marquee Sports Network. Colin Rea will make his spring debut and start for Chicago.