No Decision Yet on Matt Shaw’s Availability for Japan

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, FileNo sooner had a report come about Matt Shaw‘s unlikely availability for the Tokyo Series than the presumptive starting third baseman was declared fully healthy and ready to play in spring games. Though he’s only gotten nine at-bats so far, Shaw hasn’t looked overmatched in the box and his defense at third base has looked very good. Feel free to apply your own small-sample caveats as you like.

But even if he’s at a full-go physically, the Cubs might prefer to maintain his ramp at a more gradual pace rather than have him travel to Japan in a few days. Not only would keeping him in Mesa allow for more reps in minor league games, but it would also delay any necessary…