Cubs SS Javy Baez to have precautionary MRI on sore heel

Cubs shortstop Javy Baez was sidelined again Tuesday because of a sore right heel, and he was expected to have a precautionary MRI on the foot before having his playing status evaluated further.

Manager Joe Maddon said he Tuesday’s decision was made while talking to Baez in the dugout during Monday night’s game.

“Just said it was probably wise not to play today,” Maddon said. “He just keeps using the word ‘sore,’ and I just want to make that’s all it is.”

Baez, the Cubs cleanup hitter, hasn’t played since Sunday’s sixth inning, when he eventually was forced to leave the game almost three innings after injuring his heel while charging a slow chopper and throwing off-balance for the out.

Last year’s National League MVP runner-up had started every game for the Cubs until Monday.