Bears News: Injury updates on Jake Marisnick, Joc Pederson, Justin Steele, Trevor Williams |
SAN FRANCISCO — Chicago Cubs left fielder Joc Pederson was left out of Sunday's start lineup after exiting Saturday's 4-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants with lower back tightness on his right side. Pederson was injured when he jumped into the outfield wall at Oracle Park in an attempt at catching a third-inning home run and was pulled in the fifth inning.
"Talking to him this morning, that was smart to come out and make sure everything was all right," Cubs manager David Ross told the media when discussing Pederson being removed from the contest. Ross also relayed to the press that Pederson felt "much better" on Sunday, indicating that Pederson will not miss much time because of the back ailment. Pederson was placed on the 10-day injured list with a wrist injury earlier this season, but the back issue is unlikely to result in an IL stint. "Hopefully, things will continue to move in the right direction," said Ross, "but I think he's going to be OK." As for Cubs players currently on the 10-day IL, Ross provided updates on center fielder Jake Marisnick, reliever Justin Steele and starter Trevor Williams. Marisnick, who has not played since May 9 due to a strained right hamstring, is nearing a return and could reportedly be activated as early as Monday. He is currently batting .264 with four home runs in 27 appearances. On the pitching front, Steele is working his way back from a left hamstring string, which he suffered on May 20. The lefty has pitched in 11 games and sports a 2-0 record with an ERA of 2.03. Steele threw a 35-pitch bullpen session on Sunday that apparently went fairly well and will be reevaluated on Monday. Williams is currently on the shelf after undergoing an appendectomy on May 30. The righty last pitched on May 26 and is 3-2 with a 5.36 ERA through 10 starts. There is still no set timetable for when Williams will return from his appendicitis layoff, but he was able to play "light catch" on Sunday. Injury updates:
• Pederson day to day with back issue. Not considered serious.
• Marisnick could be activated as early as Monday.
• Steele threw 35-pitch bullpen today that "went OK." Will gauge his recovery tomorrow.
• Williams played light catch again today.
