Morrow’s comeback, Ross’ debut hit snags

Pitcher suffers strained muscle, manager sidelined with case of flu

MESA, Ariz. — Three takeaways from Cubs spring training Saturday.

1. Cubs reliever Brandon Morrow suffered a setback in his comeback effort: Brandon Morrow, the former closer who hasn’t pitched in a game since July 15, 2018, was diagnosed with a strained muscle in his upper right chest.

A source said Morrow was relieved that his right elbow, which has been the major source of his problems since he joined the Cubs, felt fine. Morrow is listed as day to day with the shoulder injury, but he could be sidelined longer.

Morrow, 35, signed a minor-league contract in December after the Cubs declined a $12 million option and gave him a $3 million buyout.

The Cubs signed seventime All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to a three-year, $43 million contract in June and had projected Morrow as a late-inning relief candidate.

2. David Ross sidelined with a case of the flu: New Cubs manager David Ross’ debut was delayed: He was sent home Saturday morning after feeling ill.

Bench coach Andy Green, who managed the Padres for four seasons, took over for Ross for the team’s Cactus League opener against the Athletics on Saturday night at Sloan Park.

This marked the Cubs’ 42nd consecutive spring training in Mesa, the longest active streak in the Cactus League.

3. Kris Bryant is watching his steps: Kris Bryant missed the final six games of the 2019 season because of a Grade 2 right ankle sprain after his foot hydroplaned on first base in an attempt to beat out an infield grounder against the Cardinals.

And the wet conditions Saturday at Sloan Park before the game against the Athletics caused Bryant to think twice about the way he steps on the bags.

“Last year, that’s understandable, with me going hard in the rain,” Bryant recalled of his effort with the Cubs battling for a playoff berth. “Here, you run hard, but you keep your feet under you. Nothing too crazy in the first spring game.”

Bryant saw no reason to change his footwear under soggy conditions.

“We have metal cleats and hard bases,” Bryant said.

“You’re going to slip on those when you’re wet. The way to go about it is change the base. I can’t change my footwear because of that.”

Bryant said he has opted for metal spikes instead of cleats since he was 10.