Soto scratched with oblique strain

Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto, the 2008 NL Rookie of the Year, was scratched from Wednesday's lineup against Atlanta after hurting his side during batting practice.

The team is calling the injury "a mild left oblique strain" and listing his status as day-to-day. Soto had an MRI, with the team saying the results wouldn't be disclosed until before Friday's game against St. Louis.

The Cubs are off Thursday.

At the season's midway point, Soto is batting .230 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs. Last season, he hit .285 with 23 homers and 86 RBIs and started the All-Star Game.

He was bothered by shoulder and hand injuries earlier this season.

Koyie Hill will start in his place Wednesday.