Cubs SS Baez needs another day off with sore back
Cubs shortstop Javy Baez was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to a sore back. Baez did not start Sunday's game against Pittsburgh because of the same issue, but did pinch-hit in the ninth inning.
"It loosened up much better yesterday," manager David Ross said before the game. "Last night getting off the plane seemed to be OK and then just came in today a little stiff again. It's day-to-day, just low back stiffness, tightness, was trying to get it loosened up in there. I really don't want to push it with an off-day on the back end of this (Thursday). If he feels better tomorrow, he'll be in there."
Right fielder Jason Heyward left Sunday's game early with a hand issue, but was back in Tuesday's lineup.
"They said kind of a freak thing, maybe a bone bruise," Ross said. "He said it kind of loosened up after the game a little bit more. I checked with him last night, was all good, ready to go today. Just kind of swelled up on him and was real sticky in a joint area. Maybe something he did on a swing."
Ross also provided updates on Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ, who both went on the injured list after a collision on May 2 in Cincinnati. Both players could return as early as Friday in Detroit.
"I know Nico's taking ground balls and swings. He did swings yesterday," Ross said. "Happ is to be determined. I think things are moving in the right direction, I know it's a little slower than anticipated. He's moving in the right direction, I would say."
• According to the Des Moines Register, the Cubs acquired outfielder Trayce Thompson from Arizona for cash considerations and he'll report to the Iowa Cubs.
Thompson has appeared in 202 MLB games, had two stints with the White Sox and is the younger brother of NBA star Klay Thompson. He hasn't played in the majors since 2018.
The Cubs may need an extra outfielder, with Jake Marisnick and Ian Happ on the injured list. Nick Martini replaced Kris Bryant in the outfield during Tuesday's game.
The Iowa Cubs do have some veteran outfielders in Cameron Maybin. Rafael Ortega and Ian Miller.
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