Cubs center fielder Ian Happ's return to action following Sunday's scary collision with Nico Hoerner could come as soon as Wednesday.
Happ isn't in Wednesday's starting lineup against the Dodgers, but manager David Ross said he's available off the bench. In fact, Ross said Happ was available in Tuesday night's game against Los Angeles.
"He took some swings underneath," Ross said. "He'll probably be the last guy [used off the bench]. Want to give him rest if we can. He is available."
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Happ, 26, has remained active but hasn't played since exiting Sunday's game after the collision in shallow center field. Hoerner hit the 10-day IL with a left forearm strain Tuesday.
Happ is dealing with rib bruising but has passed concussion testing, Ross said Tuesday. Hoerner said he expects to be back for next weekend's series in Detroit.
Happ is off to a slow start this season, hitting .167/.307/.250 in 26 games with 33 strikeouts. Sunday was his best offensive showing for the season. He went 3-for-5 with a game-tying home run in the eighth inning against Cincinnati.
