(670 The Score) The Cubs have placed outfielder Jake Marisnick on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain, they announced Tuesday.
Marisnick suffered the injury during the first inning of the Cubs' 6-5 loss to the Pirates on Sunday at Wrigley Field. He went down awkwardly while pursuing a shallow flyball hit by Pirates center fielder Wilmer Difo, and he left the game in clear pain. It's believed to be a mild or moderate strain, manager David Ross said.
"I feel better today than I did yesterday," Marisnick said Tuesday.
In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled lefty reliever Brad Wieck to replace Marisnick on the roster. Wieck has logged one scoreless inning for the Cubs this season.
Marisnick, 30, joined the Cubs on a one-year deal this past offseason. He had emerged as a key piece in the team's outfield rotation, hitting .264 with four home runs and 14 RBIs over 27 games this season.
The Cubs also scratched shortstop Javier Baez from their starting lineup Tuesday while he continues to deal with lower back tightness. Baez was removed from a win against the Pirates on Saturday with that ailment and was only available to pinch hit in a loss Sunday, making the final out of the game.
The Cubs plan to re-evaluate Baez on Wednesday and hope to avoid placing him on the injured list. They play Tuesday and Wednesday in Cleveland before a scheduled off day Thursday. Baez is hitting .255 with eight home runs and 25 RBIs this season.
Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward was back in the starting lineup Tuesday after leaving Sunday's game with a hand ailment, which Ross indicated wasn't a lasting issue. Outfielder Ian Happ (rib contusion) and infielder Nico Hoerner (left forearm strain) are each progressing from their respective injuries and could be activated later this week.
Without Marisnick, the Cubs have just three true outfielders on the roster: Jason Heyward, Joc Pederson and Nick Martini.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.