SAN DIEGO — The Cubs put starter Adbert Alzolay on the 10-day injured list Tuesday because of a blister on his right middle finger.
On Tuesday night, Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning and drove in two more with a double to lead the Cubs past the Padres 7-1.
Alzolay had struggled with the blister in the 9-4 loss Monday to the Padres and couldn’t get command of his pitches as he walked a season-high five batters.
He was removed in the fourth inning after the blister continued to affect him.
“It’s been going on since my last outing,” Alzolay said. “That was when I first felt it, but it was fine in my bullpen this week, and everything was all right. But then in the second inning, that was when I started feeling it the most.”
Right-hander Kohl Stewart was recalled from Triple-A Iowa to take Alzolay’s place on the active roster. Stewart could get a spot start while the team waits for Alzolay’s return.
“It’s not all bad news,” manager David Ross said before the game. “We got a day off, so he misses one start, and hopefully he’s back as long as the blister is OK.
“In theory, it gives him a slight break in the action. And hopefully he’s able to get that finger taken care of, and we put him back right back in there. That’s a really big piece for us.”
Stewart is 1-1 with a 3.12 ERA in two starts for the Cubs.
Pederson in, Baez still out
Joc Pederson (back tightness) returned to the lineup, leading off and starting in left field. He’s coming off a strong May in which he had a slash line of .314/.365/.477 with a 138 OPS+.
Shortstop Javy Baez was not in the lineup for a second consecutive game as he recovers from a bruised right thumb he suffered Sunday against the Giants.
Baez is hitting .240 with a team-leading 14 home runs and nine stolen bases.
He will more than likely miss the series finale Wednesday.
With the day off Thursday, he could make his return for the weekend series against the Cardinals.
Duffy (back) taking batting practice
Infielder Matt Duffy, who has been on the injured list since May 25 with a strained lower back, appears closer to a return. He has been increasing his workload.
Duffy did intense running before the game and took batting practice on the field for the first time since going on the injured list.
He likely will need a rehab assignment before he returns to the Cubs.
Martini outrighted to Iowa
Outfielder Nick Martini cleared waivers and was outrighted to Iowa.
Martini was designated for assignment Saturday after right fielder Jason Heyward was activated from the injured list.
