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Cubs back Class A manager on Soler benching

Cubs bosses Monday backed the manager of the organization’s Class A Daytona farm club for benching outfield phenom Jorge Soler one game for failing to hustle.

Daytona manager Dave Keller benched Soler Sunday after Soler failed to run hard after hitting a pair of balls Saturday.

“When you don’t do that, then you don’t get to play,” Keller told the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Through a spokesman, Cubs president Theo Epstein had this to say: “Our managers are encouraged to bench players who are giving less than 100 percent effort — whether that’s failure to hustle down the first-base line or failure to properly prepare for a game.

“It’s our responsibility to make sure every player in the organization demonstrates preparation, hustle and effort every day with no exceptions … Soler is not alone, and, in fact, he has shown a real interest in learning to play the game the right way.”

Soler, who signed a nine-year, $30 million contract last June, was suspended five games earlier this month by the Florida State League for a bat-wielding incident during a game.

“We have about 125 minor-league players,” Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. “I’m sure he’s not the only one that hasn’t run a ball out. These things get a little escalated because who he is and what just happened a few weeks ago, too.”

Voicing support:The Cubs expressed support for NBA player Jason Collins, who came out as gay.#147;I think it#146;s kind of a benign thing,#148; second baseman Darwin Barney said. #147;Everybody is connected (to a gay person) in some way, whether it#146;s a family member.#147;I have family members that are (gay). I don#146;t think it#146;s that big of a deal. I think he#146;ll be protected just fine. I hope the best for him.#148;Added manager Dale Sveum: #147;I think everybody is entitled to what they do in their life. I don#146;t think it changes anything. It might help a lot of other people.#148;Injury updates:Reliever Kyuji Fujikawa threw from the bullpen Monday. Dale Sveum said Fujikawa is fine but that his stuff wasn#146;t #147;crisp.#148; He likely will throw a bullpen Thursday before going on a rehab assignment Sunday at Class AAA Iowa. Fujikawa is recovering from a right-forearm strain.Scott Baker, who has not pitched since spring training, has started a throwing program in Arizona. He played catch from 45 feet Monday. He#146;s on the mend from last April#146;s Tommy John surgery.

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