Add right fielder Jason Heyward to the long list of Cubs dealing with varying degrees of injury.
Cubs manager David Ross said he pinch hit for Heyward on Sunday because the outfielder was dealing with a right-hand ailment. The medical staff was evaluating Heyward’s hand when Ross spoke to the media after the Cubs’ 6-5 loss Sunday to the Pirates.
“I didn’t feel like ... I wanted him to go up there and hit with something messed up with his hand, with the game on the line,” Ross said.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The Cubs had one out and two men on base in the ninth inning when Heyward was due up. The Cubs trailed by four runs. Outfielder Nick Martini, who the Cubs called up from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, pinch hit for Heyward.
The Cubs outfield was already shorthanded due to injury. Earlier in the game, center fielder Jake Marisnick left with a right hamstring strain. Ian Happ (bruised ribs) went on the 10-day injured list Friday.