The Cubs activated right fielder Jason Heyward from the 10-day injured list before Sunday’s game against the Marlins. Heyward had been on the IL since Aug. 6 with with left index finger inflammation.
Heyward has not had a strong season at the plate with a .198/.271/.322 slashline with six home runs in 83 games this season, but the Cubs are relying on Heyward’s leadership down the stretch with a young, inexperienced group of players at the big-league level.
Outfielder Greg Deichmann was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to make room for Heyward on the 26-man roster. Deichmann was the first position player in the team’s acquisitions at the trade deadline to make an appearance for the Cubs. He was acquired in the trade that sent lefty reliever Andrew Chafin to the Oakland A’s.
Deichmann, 27, was 4-for-23 in his first stint with the Cubs and while he had a calm approach at the plate, there’s likely still room for growth before he returns to the big leagues.
“He just needs to get more at-bats under his belt,” manager David Ross said before the game. “It looked like his at-bats got better as they went on. He had a real knack for simplifying things when he got behind in the count. Just trying to touch the baseball.
“Playing outfield at Wrigley Field can be a little tricky and I thought he made some nice plays. But continuing to work on his defense and his all-around game. He’s still gotta get some seasoning to do and get his at-bats, but there’s no doubt we’ll see him again.”