The 32-year-old infielder returns for his third tour with the Cubs — having spent time there in 2019 and 2022 as well. Machado spent each of the past two seasons toiling in the Astros’ organization, most recently slashing just .222/.317/.301 with three homers and 22 RBI in 45 games at Triple-A Sugar Land last season. He’ll add infield depth for the Cubs.

Machado suffered a Grade 2 quad strain last week and was ruled out for the rest of spring training. The 32-year-old infielder is expected to start the 2024 season at Triple-A Sugar Land.

It was initially believed to be a hamstring injury, but additional imaging revealed it to be a quad issue. Machado will miss the rest of spring training and open the year back at Triple-A Sugar Land.

Machado tweaked his hamstring and will be re-evaluated on Thursday to determine the severity of the injury, Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters following Wednesday’s Grapefruit League contest. The 32-year-old middle infielder is in Houston’s camp as extra organizational depth and figures to open the year at Triple-A Sugar Land.