CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- A flukish foul ball that struck Cubs outfielder Ian Happ over his right eye Thursday fortunately left only minimal damage.
Happ is out of the Cubs' lineup against the Cardinals on Friday evening with swelling over his eye, but he didn't suffer any vision loss and is considered day-to-day after further evaluation from doctors. Happ suffered the injury when he fouled off a breaking ball in the fourth inning of Chicago's loss at Pittsburgh on Thursday, and it awkwardly bounced back up and struck him in the face. He then exited the game. X-rays were negative.
"He is day to day right now," manager David Ross said Friday. "He saw the docs today. A lot of tests were run on him. The eye is still coming back. I think he will be fine. With everything he has gone through during the day, I just don't think it is smart to start him. If he is feeling good later in the day, he may be available to pinch-hit. I talked to him this morning, and I think it's best to give him a little more time."
Happ is having a sensational season, hitting .311 with 10 homers, 22 RBIs and a 1.068 OPS in 37 games. He has drawn MVP consideration in the National League given his strong play.
In other Cubs news Friday, Ross confirmed that right-hander Adbert Alzolay will be summoned from South Bend to start for the Cubs in the first game of their doubleheader against the Cardinals on Saturday. Alzolay threw five scoreless innings against the Cardinals in his lone start for the Cubs this season.
The Cubs will utilize a bullpen game in the nightcap Saturday, Ross said. They'll count on their relievers to handle the entire game.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
