Alexander Canario had a milestone day Thursday.

The Cubs’ outfield prospect slugged his first Triple-A home run of the season, a 107.9 mph home run that traveled 417 feet. It’s his second home run of the season, he hit one while on a rehab assignment with the Arizona Complex League Cubs.

Canario suffered a gruesome injury playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic this past offseason, requiring both ankle and shoulder surgeries. He didn’t return to minor league action until June with the ACL Cubs and returned to the I-Cubs on July 14.

The righty burst onto the season in 2022, hitting 37 home runs across three levels and was knocking on the major-league door. He looked primed to make his major league debut in 2023 but the injury derailed plans for a bit.

He’s struggled since returning to Triple-A, slashing just .194/.256/.222 with 1 extra-base hit entering Thursday. It was expected that it would take Canario some time to adjust, but if he can find his groove and return close to where he was offensively in 2022, the Cubs would still like to give him a shot in the majors.

It’s his last option year, meaning the Cubs would have to pass him through waivers next year before sending him down, a similar situation that Miguel Amaya was in this year. In a best-case scenario, Canario can get healthy and provide a spark, much like Amaya has this season.

Thursday’s home run is a good first step.