Cubs scratch Patrick Wisdom from lineup with back stiffness, putting Opening Day in question

MESA, Ariz. — As Cubs infielder Patrick Wisdom began ramping up activity Tuesday, his back — which already had sidelined him almost a week — started to stiffen up again, manager Craig Counsell said. The team scratched him from the lineup against the Diamondbacks.

Wisdom is scheduled to see the doctor, and the Cubs will build out his plan from there.

“We’re nine days from Opening Day, and this means probably we’re into later in the week before he plays because we scratched [him],” Counsell said. “So there’s some concern.”

Wisdom also missed about a week and a half earlier this spring with tightness in his right quadriceps.

If he has to begin the season on the injured list, the move could have ripple effects as the Cubs solidify their Opening Day roster over the next week. Earlier this month, the Cubs had a lot of corner infield options and right-handed depth in a bench battle.

In addition to Wisdom’s readiness for Opening Day now being in question, third baseman Nick Madrigal is sidelined with a strained right hamstring. He’s targeting the end of the weekend or early next week to return to game action, Counsell said, but that likely will be in a minor-league game.

“He’s just got a chance to be ready [for Opening Day],” Counsell said. “But it could be pushing it.”

DIAMONDBACKS 4, CUBS 1

Right-hander Kyle Hendricks limited the Diamondbacks to two hits and no runs in the first four innings he pitched Tuesday night. In the fifth, he gave up five hits and four runs before exiting with two outs.

“A lot of positives overall,” he said. “One more left. Lock it in and get ready to go.”

• Lefty Brandon Hughes, who came up in the Cubs’ organization, took the mound for the Diamondbacks in the fourth and didn’t allow a hit through 1⅔ innings. Drafted in the 16th round in 2017, Hughes was shaping up to be an important part of the Cubs’ bullpen when nagging inflammation in his knee torpedoed his 2023 season. He underwent surgery in June, and the Cubs non-tendered him in November.

• The Cubs (15-9-2) didn’t score until the fifth, when minor-leaguer Jonathan Long drove in non-roster invitee Jorge Alfaro.

• On deck: Cubs at Athletics, 3:05  p.m. Wednesday, Mesa, Marquee, Adbert Alzolay vs. Paul Blackburn.