Cubs' Zobrist back in leadoff limelight

Ben Zobrist was the Chicago Cubs' leadoff hitter for a second straight game as manager Joe Maddon is trying something different after using Kyle Schwarber there 35 times in the early going.

Batting leadoff is nothing new for Zobrist, who has played all over the field and hit up and down the lineup.

"It's just the first at-bat of the game," he said. "It's just that you don't get to see any of the previous pitches. Sometimes it's harder to time the pitcher when you haven't seen anybody else bat in front of you in the lineup. That's the only difference. Besides that, I just consider it one of the other spots in the lineup.

"Leading off is not easy. Because of the that first at-bat, you kind of feel like, 'Maybe I should be patient,' but then again, you don't want to let a ball down the middle go by. There's just that question in your mind. You've got to weigh it based on the pitcher you're facing that day and really try to zone up on that first pitch."

Zobrist downplayed his own versatility as something special, saying anybody can do it.

"They could," he said. "It's really nothing special outside of just trying to be an athlete, and you've just got to make adjustments and be flexible. That's just one of the things from the early time in my career I knew that was necessary for me to make the team better.

"And you've seen a lot of these young guys now who are coming up, they're already doing that. They get it at an early age. It's just part of being a Chicago Cub."

Serial cereal rollouts:

Ben Zobrist became the latest Cub to roll out a cereal brand, as he introduced Zorilla Crunch Monday. The cereal is available at exclusively at Chicago area Jewel-Osco stores and online at www.plbsports.com. It's described as "a toasted oat cereal with marshmallows."

Teammate Anthony Rizzo trotted out his cereal last year, and retired catcher David Ross is expected to do the same in the near future.

"That was fun today, going to Jewel-Osco and rolling out the Zorilla Crunch," he said. "I brought some boxes into the clubhouse, and some of the guys will get to try it. I'm sure they'll like it. I've got a friendly competition going on with Riz. Rossy will soon have his cereal coming out. It will be fun. That's kind of a dream as kid: Get your face on a cereal box. They did a great job. I look way better on that in real life. It's one of the fun things about the game."

So whose cereal is better?

"Mine is, definitely," Zobrist said. "It's got marshmallows. I don't think the other ones have marshmallows. It's healthier, too."

Welcome back, Zac:

The Cubs on Monday selected the contract of left-handed reliever Zac Rosscup from Class AAA Iowa and optioned reliever Dylan Floro to Iowa. To make room on the 40-man roster for Rosscup, the Cubs designated minor-league pitcher Jake Buchanan for assignment.

Rosscup, 28, has made 61 big-league relief appearances covering three seasons with the Cubs from 2013-15 before missing last year because of left-shoulder surgery.

With Iowa this year, Rosscup has gone 2-1 with 1 save and a 3.45 ERA in 9 relief outings.

Anderson to throw:

Left-hander Brett Anderson will throw a bullpen session Tuesday as he continues his recovery from a lower-back strain. He has been on the disabled list since May 7.

"I still have confidence in myself that if I'm healthy and everything's right, I can get people out," he said. "It's just got to get there. Tomorrow will be a good step."

Anderson was 2-2 with an 8.18 ERA when he went on the DL.