DETROIT _ The Cubs desperately need more offense before newcomer Daniel Murphy arrives at Comerica Park for an interleague series against the Tigers.
But any contribution Tuesday night didn't come from shortstop Addison Russell, who was scratched from lineup due to a sore right throwing shoulder.
Without Murphy and Russell, the Cubs fell, 2-1, to the Tigers for their third consecutive loss.
They've scored five runs in their last five games _ all occurring on solo home runs. Anthony Rizzo hit a solo home run in the sixth off Jordan Zimmermann, but the Cubs went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and are hitless in their last 22 at-bats with runners in scoring position in their last five games.
With the tying run at first, Jason Heyward fouled off five consecutive pitches before striking out to end the game.
The Tigers jumped on Kyle Hendricks for two runs in the first. Former Cubs prospect Jeimer Candelario legged out a double, advanced to third in a single by Jose Iglesias and scored on a grounder to short.
Iglesias scored the second run on a two-out single by Victor Martinez.
Russell already is coping with a swollen knuckle on his middle left finger, and he could be destined for the 10-day disabled list to make room for when Murphy, who was acquired from the Nationals, arrives Wednesday.
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