Cubs' Schwarber breaks part of Budweiser sign in batting practice

Kyle Schwarber owns the right-field videoboard at Wrigley Field. If he keeps on hitting it and breaking things, the Cubs may make him pay for it and allow him to take it home with him.

During batting practice before Wednesday night's 7-5 victory over the Reds, Schwarber hit the Budweiser sign on top of the board, knocking out the lights in the "Bud" portion. In the 2015 National League division series against the Cardinals, Schwarber hit a home run that landed on top of the board.

"I had some wind behind it, I guess, and it got up there, " he said after the Cubs' 7-5 victory. "You could see some wires fall. I apologize in advance."

There was no apologizing for a 2-run single in the Cubs' 5-run second inning. Despite a .188 batting average, Schwarber has begun hitting the ball hard. He had a booming home run Tuesday night.

"We did a really good job tonight, having really good at-bats and hitting balls hard," he said.

Russell works on it:

Shortstop Addison Russell was out Wednesday to take early batting practice with hitting coach John Mallee.

Russell entered the evening's game against the Reds with a hitting line of .226/.293/.372. He hit his third homer of the season Tuesday night. It went to the opposite field, in right-center.

"Really just kind of toning down my movements as far as hitting, making small movements," Russell said. "As far as adjusting, there's really not that much adjusting I have to do. Just making movements smaller.

"It's just like the leg kick and movement of the arms and head, just making those movements smaller so I can track the ball a little bit easier."

Cubs call up pitcher:

The Cubs called up pitcher Pierce Johnson from Class AAA Iowa and optioned infielder Jeimer Candelario back to Iowa.

Johnson is looking to make his major-league debut. The 26-year-old right-hander originally was drafted by the Cubs in the compensation round (43rd pick overall) in 2012. He has gone 28-19 with 4 saves and a 3.10 ERA in 99 career minor league games. At Iowa this year, he was 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA in 12 games, with 21 strikeouts in 14 innings.

Injury updates:

The Cubs will send outfielder Jason Heyward on a minor league rehab assignment to Class A South Bend Thursday as he is close to coming off the disabled list. Heyward is recovering from a sprained right index finger.

Left-handed pitcher Brett Anderson, who is on the DL with a back injury, played catch for a second time Wednesday. The Cubs say he is working toward a bullpen session.

A grand gesture:

To commemorate reaching 1,000 wins as a manager Tuesday, Joe Maddon will donate 1,000 meals to the Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge at 800 W. Lawrence Avenue in Chicago. Maddon, through his Respect 90 foundation, will make the same donation to the Sallie House in St. Petersburg, Florida. Maddon managed the Tampa Bay Rays before coming to the Cubs.

Maddon said he heard from former NFL quarterback Joe Namath via text message about the 1,000th win.