The Kane County Cougars, in conjunction with the Chicago Cubs, said outfielder Albert Almora has been placed on the 7-day disabled list, retroactive to August 5, with a groin injury.
Albert Almora, considered the next savior in franchise history, will see his spot filled by Catcher Neftali Rosario who has been activated from the disabled list.
Albert Almora (1st Round, 6th overall 2012) has played in 61 games this season since joining the Cougars on May 21. He leads the team with a .376 on-base percentage and .329 batting average, and has hit 3 home runs with 23 RBI. Albert Almora, 19, carries the distinction of being the initial first round selection made by the Theo Epstein regime after it took over the Cubs’ baseball operations in the Fall of 2011. The player with elite fielding and hitting instincts has certainly not disappointed the Cubs’ brass.
Albert Almora has established a reputation as a team leader, not of the vocal variety but one who comports himself so professionally and prepares so diligently that he gains the respect of teammates. He hits the ball to all fields effectively and gets a tremendous jump on balls hit to the outfield to compensate for his lack of blazing speed. In 172 defensive chances, Albert Almora has committed just two errors, and his seven outfield assists evince a strong and accurate throwing arm.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, a Fox Sports affiliate. He is also an analyst for 95.7 The Fan, and writes on Chicago sports media for Chicago Now. President Obama follows his Twitter account (@PaulMBanks)