Javier Baez Fractures Finger, Expected To Be Out 1-2 Months

(CBS) Javier Baez's path back to the major leagues has hit a major hurdle.

Baez suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left ring finger in the Triple-A Iowa Cubs' win over Memphis on Sunday when he slid headfirst into second base. The Cubs haven't confirmed how long Baez will be out, but he's expected to miss at least a month and perhaps up to two, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

Baez had been playing well at Triple-A, hitting .314 with eight homers, 29 RBIs and a .922 OPS in 37 games. That had led to increased conversation that he was on the verge of returning to the big leagues, but that will now be on hold. Naturally a middle infielder, Baez had even started playing some third base at Iowa, with the possibility looming at the big league level that the Cubs could move Kris Bryant to left field to open up a regular spot for Baez.

Baez debuted for Chicago last August, hitting just .169 and striking out 95 times in 229 plate appearances before making major strides this season. He nearly made the big league roster out of spring training before returning to Triple-A.