Cubs 2B Hoerner still hampered by left hamstring issue

CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner missed his fourth consecutive game on Friday, increasing the possibility he could need a stint on the injured list.

Hoerner was scratched for Tuesday's 7-0 loss at Atlanta because of left hamstring tightness. He went through a more normal pregame routine on Thursday, but manager Craig Counsell said his hamstring was still bothering him.

“We'll see how we're doing kind of daily," Counsell said before Friday’s 9-3 loss to Pittsburgh. "We're day to day with it, but still something there.”

Hoerner, a Gold Glove winner last year, is batting .269 with two homers and 12 RBIs in 41 games this season.

“We'd like to avoid it,” Counsell said when asked about placing Hoerner on the IL. “But obviously if it's still lingering, then it's on the table.”

The Cubs also have been playing without All-Star shortstop Dansby Swanson, who is on the 10-day IL with a right knee sprain. Swanson took batting practice on Friday against Drew Smyly and Jordan Wicks.

Smyly is working his way back from a right hip impingement, and Wicks is on the IL with a left forearm strain.

Seiya Suzuki rested during the loss to the Pirates, but Counsell said it was a planned day off for the outfielder.

Also Friday, right-handed reliever Colten Brewer was placed on the 15-day IL with a low back strain. Right-hander Porter Hodge was recalled from Triple-A Iowa, putting him in the mix for his major league debut.

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