Cubs outfield thin as Marisnick lands on IL originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Cubs enter a two-game series at Cleveland with a shorthanded outfield. The club announced Tuesday it had placed center fielder Jake Marisnick on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain.
Marisnick left the Cubs’ 6-5 loss Sunday to the Pirates in the first inning. Chasing down a fly ball in the gap, Marisnick fell. He’d been managing leg tightness before the injury, according to Ross.
In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled left-handed reliever Brad Wieck from Triple-A Iowa, giving them a short bench for the upcoming series.
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Playing at an American League park, with a designated hitter, gives the Cubs flexibility in how they use their bench. National League rules create a higher demand for pinch hitters. The Cubs also avoid having to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
Still, the Cubs carry just three fulltime outfielders on their active roster. One of those outfielders, Jason Heyward, was dealing with a right hand ailment in Sunday’s game. He didn’t hit in the ninth inning.
Third baseman Kris Bryant has also started in the outfield in 17 games this season. The Cubs recalled outfielder Nick Martini from Triple-A last week.
The Cubs could invite back reinforcements at the end of the week. Center fielder Ian Happ (left rib contusion) and infielder Nico Hoerner become eligible to return from the IL on Friday, when the Cubs open a three-game series at Detroit. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Cubs had not yet announced a date for their reinstatements.
