Cubs' Baez out for third straight game with bruised heel
Javy Baez was held out of the Cubs' starting lineup for the third straight game Wednesday due to a bruised heel.
He also received a fine from MLB for taunting at the end of Monday's game, according to espn.com, when he made a sweeping motion with his bat and appeared to yell "one pitch" at Reds reliever Amir Garrett.
That's good news for the Cubs since a suspension was possible. Some Reds observers might cry foul since Nicholas Castellanos was suspended two games for flexing in front of an opposing player after a play at the plate earlier this season.
Baez came off the bench to deliver the game-winning pinch hit in Monday's ninth inning. He didn't play in Tuesday's loss, but was moving around the dugout like he was prepared to hit. The Cubs never got close enough at the end of the 7-4 loss.
"He got here, ran a little bit. Still a little timid," manager David Ross said before Wednesday's game. "It should be any day. I think it's just one of those lingering bruises that's just still bothering him a little bit. I don't want to put him in a position, especially middle infield, where he can't plant and be secure on his feet."
Ross said Baez should be available to pinch hit and possibly play in the field late in the game. Wednesday's lineup against Cincinnati included Matt Duffy at second base, Patrick Wisdom at third, Nico Hoerner filling in for Baez at shortstop, with Kris Bryant in left field. Catcher Willson Contreras also got a night off.
The Cubs finish their homestand against the Reds on Thursday afternoon, then will be preparing to play Friday in Washington when the MLB trade deadline hits.
• Twitter: @McGrawDHSports