Soler continues to impress

Cubs rookie right fielder Jorge Soler keeps on producing.

In Friday's 14-5 loss to the Dodgers at Wrigley Field, Soler went 1-for-4, including an RBI triple in the first inning. Soler has hit safely in 15 of his first 17 big-league games, going 22-for-61 (.361). He has reached base in 16 games and has recorded at least 1 RBI in 12 games.

"I think he's actually performing very accurately to the numbers he's brought with him from the minor leagues, which is not typical," said Cubs manager Rick Renteria. "Usually in the minor leagues, your numbers are going to be a little higher. And when you get to the big leagues, things kind of change a little bit.

"I think what he does bring is a very mature, professional approach at the plate, a very disciplined approach. In some instances, it's how he's been developed and worked. In other instances, he's got a gift. He's got a talent. It's working in his favor very well right now, and we hope that it continues."

Answering the call of duty:

Two players had to get ready quickly for the Cubs on Friday.

In the top of the first, rookie left-hander Eric Jokisch had to come in for starting pitcher Edwin Jackson, who got shelled. Jokisch worked 3⅓ innings of long relief, giving up 4 hits and 3 runs, 1 earned. He allowed 2 homers to A.J. Ellis.

Rookie catcher Rafael Lopez pinch hit for Welington Castillo in the first inning after Castillo took a foul ball off his left rib and suffered a bruise. He was going for medical tests.

Lopez picked up his first career RBI with a sacrifice fly in the first. In the third, he earned his first major-league hit, a single. Both came against Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw.

"It's really cool," Lopez said. "We actually faced him in a rehab start at the beginning of the year at Double-A. Also, catching a good buddy of mine and teammate the last two years, with Eric Jokisch out there. Even though we came out on the wrong end of the stick, it was a good experience and something I'll remember the rest of my life."