Cubs Minor League Third Baseman Christian Villanueva Out Several Months With Broken Leg

(CBS) Cubs minor league third baseman Christian Villanueva will be out for several months after he broke his right leg while landing after jumping for a high chopper Sunday during workouts at spring training n Mesa, Arizona. Villanueva broke his fibula and may need surgery, the team said. An exact timetable for a return isn't known.

The 24-year-old Villaneuva spent most of the 2015 season at Triple-A Iowa, where he hit .259 with 18 homers, 88 RBIs and a .751 OPS in 123 games. Villanueva's path to playing time in the big leagues is obviously blocked by second-year third baseman Kris Bryant, but the Cubs were impressed with his progress.

"It's really unfortunate," Maddon told reporters. "This kid came in ready to go. Made a great impression on us at the end of last season. Very good infielder and he's starting to hit."