MESA, Ariz. — Cubs corner infielder Patrick Wisdom and outfield prospect Brennen Davis have had slower injury recoveries than initially expected.
The team is pushing back Wisdom’s return to action, manager Craig Counsell said Monday. Wisdom, who has been sidelined since Thursday with a tight right quad, originally was scheduled to play in the Cubs’ game Tuesday against the Royals.
He has been cleared to go through baseball activities, but his injury status (as of Monday) was considered day-to-day. The Cubs are taking a cautious approach with more than three weeks left in spring training.
Davis has been in the concussion protocol since experiencing symptoms Wednesday, the day after being hit by a pitch. The Cubs hoped he wouldn’t be sidelined for long, but he has to be symptom-free and pass concussion tests before returning to games.
After showing progress in recent days, Davis began ramping up his physical activity Monday. He played catch on the agility field at the Cubs’ spring-training facility.
Happ throwing
Left fielder Ian Happ (strained left hamstring) was spotted playing catch during the Cubs’ workout Monday. He even leaped for a high throw without an apparent issue. The Cubs expect him to return to action before Opening Day.
Unique schedule
The Cubs play two night games this week, one in Surprise against the Royals and one in Goodyear against the Reds. In response to the odd schedule, they plan to have several major-league pitchers throw in minor-league games on the back fields, including left-hander Drew Smyly, who is set to pitch Tuesday.
Padres 2, Cubs 1
• Infielder Nick Madrigal left the game with a cramp in his right leg, the Cubs confirmed. Madrigal primarily played third base last season, but he was at second Monday because Nico Hoerner started at shortstop. Madrigal had one at-bat before leaving. Chase Strumpf replaced him, pinch-hitting in the third inning.
• Dominic Smith and Garrett Cooper made their spring-training debuts, with Smith at first base and Cooper at DH. Both hit doubles. Smith went 2-for-3 and Cooper 1-for-3.
• Rookie left-hander Jordan Wicks made his third start of the spring and allowed one run and four hits in 3⅓ innings. Fernando Tatis Jr. drove in the run in the third.
• Reliever Keegan Thompson made his first appearance of the spring. He had dealt with neck soreness earlier in camp, which pushed back his schedule.
• On deck: Cubs at Royals, 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, Surprise, Marquee, Caleb Kilian vs. Brady Singer.
