Adduci called for Cubs debut as KB, J-Hey sit

HOUSTON -- Kris Bryant and Jason Heyward were out of the Cubs' lineup on Monday, a day after both were shaken up in an outfield collision on Sunday at Wrigley Field.

Meanwhile, the Cubs called up outfielder Jim Adduci from Triple-A Iowa for his team debut. Manager Joe Maddon started Adduci in right field and batted him fifth against the Astros on Monday, as he went 0-for-4 in the Cubs' 6-5 loss.

To make room for Adduci, left-hander Tim Collins was optioned to Triple-A. The Cubs carried nine relievers over the weekend to relieve the stress of a tired bullpen, and Collins pitched 1 1/3 innings in a 10-2 loss to the Reds on Sunday.

Maddon said Bryant will likely miss at least one more game in the wake of Sunday’s outfield collision.

“There’s nothing new,” Maddon said of Bryant's status after Monday’s game. “I talked to him in the dugout, and he said he’s feeling better, all that kind of stuff. That’s all I got out of him.”

Though Maddon doubted Bryant will play Tuesday, he was more optimistic about Heyward’s chances. So was Heyward.

“I wasn’t in there today just to make sure everything’s good and give myself a chance to recover from that,” Heyward said. “Tomorrow, I should be back in there. Come in and go through stuff and do baseball stuff to make sure.”

For Adduci, 34, the road to putting on a Cubs uniform was a long one. He played at Evergreen Park High School and grew up a Cubs fan. Although originally drafted by the Marlins, Adduci spent six seasons in the Cubs Minor League system (2007-12) and long envisioned himself playing for his hometown team.

“It’s funny how this game works and how the business is,” he said. “But as long as you’ve got a jersey on and you’re playing at Triple-A, you’ve got a chance. That’s proven by today. It’s going to be awesome to be able to wear [a Cubs uniform]. Spent a long time here. I didn’t get a chance, but it’s worked out.”

He had appeared in 149 games in parts of four seasons with the Tigers and Rangers. He also played two seasons in Korea as part of a 16-year journey through professional baseball. He joined the Cubs as a free-agent signing last December and was hitting .261 in 41 games for Triple-A Iowa. He hopes his perseverance can serve as an inspiration for other longtime Minor Leaguers.

“Absolutely,” he said. “I love playing this game. I think this can help out people that have been grinding it out. It can happen. It’s like everything you’ve gone through, you’re ready for this moment. You get to have fun and enjoy it and help win.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunities I’ve had. I’ve played in five or six different countries. It’s the game of baseball and I love it, and this is what I enjoy doing. Everyone’s path is different. It took me all over the place. When you come to this moment, you realize you’re ready for it.”