The Cubs have placed outfielder Joc Pederson on the 10-day injured list with left wrist tendinitis, retroactive to April 21. Infielder Nico Hoerner has been recalled from the alternate site in a corresponding move.
Pederson, 28, has struggled offensively to start the season and after a torrid spring, he’s cooled significantly since the regular season has begun. The Cubs’ left fielder is slashing .137/.262 /.235 with just one homer in 16 games this season.
Pederson’s injury could mean Kris Bryant gets some more time in the outfield, where he’s played well in limited action this season and throughout his career. Bryant started in right field for the second consecutive night in Thursday’s season finale.
“He looks so comfortable out there,” manager David Ross said. “It really is a nice luxury to be able to move a guy of his caliber around a little bit.”
Duffy, Sogard providing spark off the bench
When both Matt Duffy and Eric Sogard made the Cubs roster, the decision caught many fans by surprise after the spring performances of Hoerner, David Bote and Ildemaro Vargas. But what the two veteran infielders are providing off the bench for the Cubs is something that has been needed from an offensive skill set for some time.
Duffy and Sogard’s ability to put the ball in play, especially in spots where situational hitting and contact are needed have been on display early in the season.
“They’ve been exactly what we expected. Even better, I would say than expected,” Ross said. “I mean both of them are extremely hard workers and know themselves as major-league players, low maintenance swings, good approaches, professional at-bats.”
Duffy is slashing .267/.389/.333 in 15 at-bats this season, while Sogard is currently tied for third in MLB with three pinch-hits.
“I think you’re trying as best as you can to mimic game action, or as close as you can to it,” Duffy said. “For me, it’s a lot of pitching machines, trying to see velocity. Trying to shorten my swing as best as I can. Seeing breaking balls off the machine as well going down and tracking pitchers in their bullpens on the side really helps as well.
