Cubs' Baez takes leave of absence

Cubs infielder Javier Baez is beginning the season on a leave of absence from Triple-A Iowa following the death of his 21-year-old sister.

Baez on Thursday was placed on the bereavement list, which typically lasts up to a week. There is no timetable for his return, however.

Noely Baez was born with spina bifida, which occurs when the spinal column does not fully close and is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. She passed away Wednesday, MLB.com reported.

Baez has been involved in fundraising and awareness efforts for spina bifida causes. His family relocated from Puerto Rico to Jacksonville, Florida, to give Noely access to better care and during the 2012-13 offseason, Baez hosted a pizza party for local children with the birth defect. The following summer, he invited the children to come see him play when Double-A Tennessee visited Jacksonville.

"We don't see her as someone who is different from us," Baez told MLB.com in December 2013. "She's a miracle for us. She's a miracle in our lives."

The Baez family has asked for privacy.

Baez, 22, made his Major League debut last season and slugged nine homers while batting .169 in 52 games. He returned to the Pacific Coast League after hitting .182 with 21 strikeouts in 55 at-bats this spring.