Marisnick on IL for hammy
CLEVELAND — Injuries have tested the Cubs’ depth early this season, and that depth took another hit Tuesday as they put center fielder Jake Marisnick on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring. They recalled left-handed reliever Brad Wieck from Class AAA Iowa to take his spot on the roster.
Marisnick injured the hamstring — which he said was already tight — in Sunday’s game against the Pirates as he chased down a fly ball in shallow center before falling to the ground in pain. He hurt the same hamstring last year with the Mets and only appeared in 16 games.
“I think the hard part with last year was the shortened season,” Marisnick said. “Not having enough time when you’re dealing with something like this to get all the way right, and then you’re kind of fighting an uphill battle.
“The good thing with this year is you have time and you can properly rehab and get everything right. I’m not overly concerned with it. It’s something that had been a little tight. Tried to really dig in to get to that ball in left-center and felt it a little more than I’d like. Overall, pretty optimistic that this will be something that you can take care of and get back to rolling.”
Marisnick has been a spark for the Cubs both defensively and offensively, slashing .264/.350/.623 with four homers this season. Kris Bryant likely will continue to get reps in center field with Marisnick and
Ian Happ both on the IL. Outfielder Nick Martini also could see time in center.
“It’s [a] mild to moderate hamstring strain is what they’re calling it,” manager David Ross said. “I think, talking to [head athletic trainer PJ Mainville], we’re expected to know more in about five days. Let some of the healing process take place and then kind of assess from there.”
Baez out again with tight back
Shortstop Javy Baez was scratched from the lineup before Tuesday’s game against the Indians with tightness in his lower back. Baez left Saturday’s game against the Pirates for the same reason before missing Sunday’s series finale. Infielder Eric Sogard started at shortstop in his place.
“It loosened up much better [Monday],” Ross said. “Last night, getting off the plane, he seemed to be OK, and then just came in [Tuesday] a little stiff again. It’s day-today — just low-back stiffness/tightness. He was trying to get loosened up in there. I just really don’t want to push it with an off day on the back end of this series. If he feels better [Wednesday], he’ll be in there.”