CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- The Cubs' loss of All-Star catcher Willson Contreras for four weeks with a right hamstring strain is a big blow on multiple levels.
Contreras suffered the injury running out a ball in a win against the Brewers on Saturday, then was placed on the injured list Sunday. MRI results confirmed the hamstring strain, which is similar to injury he suffered in 2017.
"It is what it is," Contreras said. "I am going to take it slow. I know our division is close. Unfortunately, I cannot control what is happening. I can control how well I handle my recovery and rehab.
"This only happened to me in 2017," Contreras said. "It did again now. I did all the right things in 2017 to come back even stronger. I hope to do even better this time."
Contreras is hitting .275 with 19 homers, 57 RBIs and an .890 OPS in 87 games. Victor Caratini will carry a heavy workload in his absence, and the Cubs also called up Taylor Davis.
The mental aspect will be the biggest burden for Caratini, manager Joe Maddon said.
"He has caught a lot in the minor leagues," Maddon said. "I think it's the mind (that's the biggest challenge). You have to be aware of the player mentally doubting themselves. That would be the worst part, if you mentally doubt yourself when you have not done it before. When the mind plays tricks with you, that is the one you have to watch out for."
With the hard trade deadline having passed last Wednesday, the Cubs are limited in how they can add catching depth. They'll have to claim a player off the waiver wire or perhaps sign a veteran who clears waivers to become a free agent.
Jonathan Lucroy is a possibility for the Cubs to sign, as he became a free agent after being designated for assignment by the Angels last Friday. Lucroy hit .242 with seven homers, 30 RBIs and a .681 OPS in 74 games for the Angels this season.
"At this point, we will try and be as creative as we can," general manager Jed Hoyer said. "We will scour all the available players out there. I couldn't really say what direction we will go."
Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber is the team's emergency catcher at this juncture, as he used to play the position.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
