Ian Stewart felt something last summer while taking batting practice at Dodger Stadium, and it hasnt really gone away yet.
The Cubs plan to place Stewarta late scratch from Wednesdays lineupon the disabled list on Thursday to deal with a nagging left wrist injury and seek another medical opinion.
Hes been battling as much as he can through it, manager Dale Sveum said after an 8-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers. It just got to the point where it was pretty bad and we took him out of the lineup. Were going to get it evaluated and well put him on the DL and go from there.
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As advertised, Stewart has provided plus defense at third base, but is hitting only .201 with five homers in 202 plate appearances. The Cubs made him the centerpiece of a trade with the Colorado Rockies last winter thinking he could recapture the power he showed in 2009 and 2010 (43 homers).
Theres been plenty of things suggested, Sveum said. Its just a matter of being able to apply it. Hes got to be able to apply things in the game and in batting practice and the willingness to make adjustments. Thats the bottom line. We got to make adjustments.
Before the game, Sveum downplayed the idea that the wrist could be hurting Stewarts game.
Weve got to start getting some production, Sveum said. Im sure its bothering him, but you watch him take batting practice, its not exactly bothering him (then) because hes hitting 400-foot home runs all the time.
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To replace Stewart, the Cubs are not expected to promote Josh Vittersthe No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 draftfrom Triple-A Iowa. Infielder Luis Valbuena is seen as an option.