Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw missed Sunday’s game to attend a memorial service for conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk, according to reports.
Shaw was personally acquainted with Kirk, who was assassinated earlier this month.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Shaw was expected to return for the team’s next game.
Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw missed Sunday’s game against the Reds in Cincinnati to attend a memorial service for conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk, according to multiple media reports.
Following the 1-0 loss on Sept. 21, Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters Shaw was away from the team to attend a friend’s funeral and was expected back for the team’s next game on Tuesday.
Shaw knew Kirk personally, and just last month posed for a photo with Kirk before a game at Wrigley Field. He was also scratched from the Cubs’ starting lineup on Sept. 10 – the day Kirk was shot and killed – because of what the team called a personal matter.
Elected officials, including President Donald Trump, along with faith leaders and conservative colleagues all spoke at Sunday’s memorial service for Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Kirk, 31, was assassinated earlier this month while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Shaw has hit .223 with 12 home runs, 42 RBIs and 16 stolen bases in his rookie season in the majors.