When it comes to development, it’s easy to look at it as just a player boosting their batting average or improving their defense.

But often, there’s more to it than just the counting stats.

In Nick Madrigal’s case development comes in the form of availability. He was placed on the injured list prior to Wednesday’s game against the Padres with a left groin strain. That created a roster spot for Caleb Kilian, who pitched 4 innings, allowing 5 runs on 5 hits and 5 walks in his second career big-league start.

Madrigal insists the injury isn’t anything too serious.

“It’s more uncomfortable,” he said. “It feels fine to walk straight, but if I take a wrong step or twist a certain way, I feel it pretty good right now. They were saying the inflammation’s in there, just kinda irritated right now.”

He first felt the injury in last Friday’s loss to the Yankees. In the 12-inning game, Madrigal felt the pull late in the game.

“I was feeling completely fine during the game so it was just one of those things it’s frustrating, it grabbed on me and just kinda lingering around right now,” he said.  

The Cubs decided to play it safe, placing him on the 10-day injured list and allowing him to fully heal the injury. Then, they want to be cautious in his return, there’s no sense in rushing him back and risking injury that could stunt his growth.

“We gotta find a way to keep him on the field pretty regularly and be able to let him continue to develop into a big-league starter, everyday player,” manager David Ross said.

It’s part of the learning and growth process for Madrigal, who’s doing so even during his stint on the IL. And there’s enough time in the season that he believes he can still comeback and produce this season.

“It’s definitely frustrating, but I’m trying to stay positive,” Madrigal said. “Not only for myself, but just the guys around me. It doesn’t do anybody good if I’m sitting kinda frustrated. I’ll be fine. There’s plenty of games left in the season.”