Howard (hip) has been spotted fielding grounders and taking live at-bats since reporting to minor-league spring training, Scott Changnon of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs haven't provided official word regarding whether Howard will be fully cleared for the start of the minor-league season in early April, but even if the 2020 first-round pick opens the campaign on the injured list, he doesn't look as though he'll miss extended time to begin the season. Howard was sidelined for most of the 2022 season after undergoing surgery on his left hip last May.

Howard (hip) could be cleared to take part in light baseball activity in late November, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard underwent surgery to repair a left hip injury in May. A timeline for his return has yet to be established, but he availability for the start of spring training will likely be determined by how his body responds throughout the rehab process.

Howard will undergo surgery to address his left hip injury, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard sustained a significant left hip injury in a game at High-A South Bend on May 10, and Cubs minor-league director Jared Banner said Tuesday that the 20-year-old will miss the remainder of the season. While president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer didn't officially say that Howard's surgery would be a season-ending procedure, the prospect will require a lengthy rehab process. Howard is expected to make a full recovery, but the injury is a significant blow for him after he hit .244 with a homer, a triple, a double, 10 RBI, eight runs and three stolen bases over 23 games in South Bend to begin the year.

Cubs minor-league director Jared Banner confirmed Tuesday that Howard will be out for the rest of the 2022 season after suffering a serious left hip injury in a May 10 game with High-A South Bend, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports. South Bend transferred Howard from its 7-day injured list to 60-day IL on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Banner didn't elaborate on the nature of the injury and didn't say whether or not Howard will require surgery, but at the very least, the 20-year-old will require more than four months of rehab and recovery time. The No. 16 overall pick in the 2020 first-year player draft was hitting .244 with a home run, three stolen bases and 10 RBI in 23 games before going down with the injury.

Howard will be placed on the 7-day minor-league injured list with a hip injury Wednesday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard fell awkwardly in Tuesday's game at High-A South Bend, and he'll be forced to sit out at least a week due to his hip issue. The 20-year-old had a bit of a slow start to the season but hit .320 with a home run, eight RBI, seven runs and three stolen bases over his last 14 games.

Howard has been assigned to High-A South Bend for his age-20 season.

EDGE Analysis

This is mildly surprising, given that Howard hit .225/.277/.315 with a 30.1 K% in 80 games at Low-A last year. Through three games at High-A, he is 2-for-10 with one walk and one strikeout.

Howard, the 16th overall pick in the 2020 first-year player draft, agreed to terms with the Cubs on Sunday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard will receive the recommended slot value of $3.7455 million. The 18-year-old shortstop will receive $100,000 immediately, then get the rest of his bonus in 2021 and 2022. Howard was a prep star in Chicago and will now turn his attention toward making his mark with the hometown Cubs.