Cubs' Javier Baez Headed To Extended Spring Training

(CBS) Cubs shortstop prospect Javier Baez will report to extended spring training Thursday in Mesa, Ariz., after missing the start of the Triple-A season while being out on bereavement leave, according to the Des Moines Register.

Baez has yet to appear in a game with the Iowa Cubs this season after missing two weeks following the April 8 death of his 21-year-old sister Noely, with whom he shared a close relationship. The Cubs didn't give a timetable on how long he'd be in extended spring training before heading back to Iowa.

Baez, 22, was optioned to Triple-A in late March after hitting .173 with a .449 OPS and striking out 20 times in 52 at-bats in the Cactus League. Baez had a quality shot to make the Cubs' Opening Day roster out of spring training, but they sent him back to the minors to cut down on his strikeouts.

After being called up to the big leagues in early August last season, Baez hit .169 with nine homers and 20 RBIs in 52 games. He also struck out 95 times in 229 plate appearances.