Cubs rookie Jorge Soler placed on disabled list

The Cubs placed Jorge Soler on the DL | Getty Images

MIAMI — The Cubs placed rookie Jorge Soler on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of an ankle sprain suffered in Monday’s game against the Marlins.

He’s expected to miss at least three weeks. Soler, a key part of the top half of the order, was hitting .265 with four homers.

Outfielder Mike Baxter, who was optioned to the minors Tuesday when Matt Szczur was called up, returns to the roster to take Soler’s spot.

Junior Lake is expected to fill the right field role for Soler at least short term.

Soler hurt the ankle hitting first base awkwardly running out a grounder in the fifth inning Monday night. He finished the game but the injury worsened overnight.

He was examined in Miami on Tuesday then returned to Chicago on Wednesday morning to be seen by Cubs medical staff.

The Cubs signed Soler to a nine-year, $30 million contract in 2012.