Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw leaves team to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial service

CINCINNATI — Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw was away from the team Sunday for conservative influencer Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, the Sun-Times has learned.

The Cubs did not confirm the reason for Shaw’s absence, but manager Craig Counsell said Shaw attended the funeral of a friend Sunday and was expected to be back by the team’s next game on Tuesday.

Shaw, who knew Kirk personally and was photographed with him at a Cubs game last month, was also scratched from the starting lineup Sept. 10, the day of Kirk’s death, because of a personal matter.

Kirk, a controversial political figure and podcaster who was an ally of President Donald Trump, was born in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights.

When the Cubs returned to Wrigley Field after his death, they held a moment of remembrance for victims of political violence, including Kirk. His memorial service was held in Arizona.