Cubs’ Jason Heyward feeling better after being hospitalized with lightheadedness

The Cubs received good news Monday, as right fielder Jason Heyward was feeling better after being removed from Sunday’s game against the Cardinals.

Heyward came out in the fifth inning of an eventual 7-3 loss after experiencing lightheadedness and shortness of breath. He was taken to a local hospital, where he underwent a variety of tests, including tests for COVID-19.

Manager David Ross said Heyward was released from the hospital Sunday night and has not tested positive for the coronavirus.

“I talked to him [Sunday] night and [Monday] morning — seems to be feeling much better,” Ross said before the Cubs’ 5-1 win in the series finale Monday. “Got a couple more tests to go [Tuesday], but right now, everything seems to be on the up-and-up. . . . He seems to be OK.”

Heyward has been the Cubs’ second-best hitter this season, behind center fielder Ian Happ, with a .300/.415/.540 slash line, five homers and 17 RBI in 35 games.

Chatwood, Quintana coming along

Right-hander Tyler Chatwood and left-hander Jose Quintana are progressing from their respective injuries, with Chatwood beginning his throwing program Monday and Quintana starting his Tuesday.

Chatwood was placed on the 10-day injured list Sept. 1 with a strained right forearm, while Quintana went on IL the next day with inflammation in his left lat.

Flurry of roster moves

The Cubs added infielder Ildemaro Vargas to the active roster before Monday’s game and claimed fleet-footed outfielder Billy Hamilton off waivers from the Mets, optioning left-hander Matt Dermody and designating him for assignment to make room for Hamilton on the 40-man roster.

The Cubs also made the signing of longtime reliever Pedro Strop official. He will report to alternate site South Bend. Right-hander Duncan Robinson was added to the 60-man roster and also will report to South Bend.

Catcher Jose Lobaton, who was in South Bend on a minor-league deal, was released.

The 60-man player pool now stands at 59 players — 28 active players on the major-league roster (plus three players on the 10-day IL), plus Hamilton and 27 other players in South Bend.