The opening lineup for the Chicago Cubs against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome on March 18 will not be ideal. The Cubs will be without starting second baseman Nico Hoerner for their opening series against the Dodgers as he recovers from flexor tendon surgery.

Nico Hoerner, who went down with a flexor tendon injury last year, is still recovering from surgery and won’t make it to Tokyo. However, it seems he might be ready for Opening Day stateside. So, perhaps it isn’t truly bad news;

While the Cubs are in Japan, Hoerner will continue to get in work via minor-league games, according to manager Craig Counsell.