PITTSBURGH – The Cubs put infielder Matt Duffy on the 10-day injured list before Tuesday’s game against the Pirates with a low back strain, retroactive to May 23. The team selected the contract of infielder Patrick Wisdom from Triple-A Iowa to take Duffy’s place on the 26-man roster
Duffy last played on Saturday against St. Louis, but was removed from the game dealing with the back and was replaced by David Bote.
Duffy has been a major part of the Cubs’ success on offense this season and has seemingly come up in big spots for them all season. The 30-year-old infielder is slashing .278/.377/.356 with a home run, 12 RBIs and three stolen bases.
To make room for Wisdom on the 40-man roster, right-hander Jason Adam was designated for assignment.
Contreras doing fine after fastball off the wrist
Manager David Ross thought the worst when he saw Willson Contreras take a 99-mph fastball from Craig Kimbrel off the wrist in the Cubs’ 2-1 win over the Cardinals on Sunday. But the All-Star is feeling fine and just dealing with a bruise, which was to be expected.
Contreras didn’t start Tuesday’s game in Pittsburgh, but did take batting practice without any protective equipment over the left forearm. The Cubs backstop is slashing .245/.352/.439 with eight homers and 22 RBIs.
“He’s doing all right,” Ross said. “He woke up this morning feeling much better. We got him looked at yesterday. The X-rays were negative. I think everybody is encouraged with where he’s at.
“Willson means a lot to this team. I think the everyday catcher, you can say on most teams, is just a vital, vital piece that interacts with not only the pitchers, but the opposing hitters and where their holes might be and how they’ve taken advantage of.”
