D-backs 3B Josh Rojas out of lineup Sunday, day-to-day with hand injury

CHICAGO (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Josh Rojas is out of the starting lineup for Sunday’s series finale against the Chicago Cubs because of a left hand contusion.

Rojas got hurt when he struck out in the first inning of Saturday’s 7-6 victory over the Cubs. He hit his first three home runs of the season during Friday’s 10-6 win at Wrigley Field.

Manager Torey Lovullo said he doesn’t think Rojas will need a stint on the injured list.

“There’s a lot of swelling in there,” Lovullo said. “He’s just going to work that out, so he’s day-to-day.”

Josh Rojas has exited the game after this. pic.twitter.com/imvFRfktog

— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) May 21, 2022

The Diamondbacks recalled infielder Drew Ellis from Triple-A Reno and sent infielder Yonny Hernandez down before Sunday’s game against the Cubs. Ellis gets the start at third for the finale of the four-game set.

CUBS’ CONTRERAS NOT IN LINEUP VS. D-BACKS

Cubs manager David Ross praised catcher Willson Contreras on Sunday for speaking up after he felt some tightness in his right hamstring.

Contreras left Saturday’s loss to Arizona after he got hurt running the bases in the third inning. Contreras is out of the lineup for the series finale against the Diamondbacks, but he is considered day-to-day and Ross said it could have been worse.

With Contreras’ injury, the Cubs brought up catcher P.J. Higgins from Triple-A Iowa and designated infielder Ildemaro Vargas for assignment. Higgins is in the starting lineup for Sunday’s game against Arizona.

The Cubs and D-backs face each other at 11:20 a.m. on Sunday.

Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station for the action.