Cubs' Ian Happ sidelined by hamstring strain, expected back before Opening Day

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Cubs left fielder Ian Happ is sidelined with a mild strain of his left hamstring, manager Craig Counsell said Saturday.

‘‘Optimistic for Opening Day,’’ Counsell said, ‘‘but you’re not going to see him in games for a little bit here.’’

Happ was hurt in the Cubs’ spring game Thursday, Counsell said. Counsell didn’t give a specific timeline for a return, but Happ will have to get more game reps before the end of spring training if he’s going to be ready for Opening Day.

Happ has played in four spring games, going 1-for-10. The results aren’t important, but workload and comfort are. After the time off, Happ will have to ramp up and get his timing down.

‘‘It’s spring training, so that leads us to be conservative,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘Regardless of the injury, it leads you to be conservative. Probably the most important thing is that we get Ian enough at-bats before Opening Day to be in a good spot offensively. And we’ll be in a good spot to do that.’’

In the meantime, the Cubs have the outfield depth to fill Happ’s position during spring training.

Prospect Owen Caissie, a towering 21-year-old left-handed hitter, started in left field Saturday. But corner outfielders competing for Opening Day roster spots — such as Alexander Canario and non-roster invitee David Peralta, who is targeting next Saturday for his first spring game — might benefit from extra playing time in Happ’s absence.

Smith and Cooper penciled in

The Cubs officially announced first baseman Garrett Cooper’s minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.

‘‘Garrett’s addition is depth and another option as somebody who’s has a successful track record,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘We’re crowded [at first base] right now, but you could see one thing happening, and then a lot makes sense. And so there’s some protection for us, and we’ll give Garrett an opportunity to show us what he can do.’’

Cooper has been working out with the team in recent days, and he, fellow first baseman Dominic Smith and center fielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger took live batting practice Saturday against reliever Yency Almonte.

Smith, who had surgery on his right hand in January, and Cooper are scheduled to make their first Cactus League appearances Monday.

Taillon to throw simulated game

Right-hander Jameson Taillon is scheduled to throw a simulated game Monday, Counsell said. After left-hander Shota Imanaga’s start Saturday, Taillon is the only Cubs starter who has yet to pitch in a game this spring.

‘‘We’re just protecting him a little bit,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘And it helps other guys, frankly, and we’re getting him what he needs. We can control things there a little better. That, we like.’’

Wisdom eyeing return

The Cubs are targeting Tuesday for corner infielder Patrick Wisdom to return to the lineup. He was scratched Thursday with tightness in his right quad.