Dave Magadan has a Monday afternoon appointment with Dr. Dan Nagle, the orthopedic specialist who removed a bone spur from the third baseman’s left hand March 11.
If cleared to play, Magadan could be activated to the 25-man roster in time for the night game against the Cincinnati Reds. If the weather is poor, the Cubs might wait until Tuesday to insert him into the starting lineup.
A minor-league rehabilitation assignment remains an option, but Magadan has said he isn’t interested.
More Top Picks Best Carpenter Pencil Nicpro Carpenter Pencil With Sharpener Review
Worthwhile stay: Rookie outfielder Brooks Kieschnick probably is the odd man out when Magadan returns.
“It’s been awesome,” Kieschnick said. “I learned a lot just by watching how the game is played up here.”
If nothing else, Kieschnick has had his share of memorable moments. He recorded his first major-league hit April 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. And during a recent day off in San Francisco, Brian McRae bought suits for Kieschnick and fellow rookie Terry Adams.
Lineup changes: With left-hander Allen Watson starting for the Giants, Cubs manager Jim Riggleman tinkered with his lineup. Ozzie Timmons started for left-fielder Luis Gonzalez, Brian Dorsett started for catcher Scott Servais and Leo Gomez made a second consecutive start at third base, in place of Jose Hernandez.
Of the Cubs’ position players, infielder Todd Haney and outfielders Scott Bullett and Kieschnick have yet to start a game.
Running it up: Entering Sunday’s game, the Reds were the only National League team with more stolen bases than the Cubs (18-14). McRae leads the team with a perfect 6-for-6 record, including his first steal of home Saturday against the Giants. In all, the Cubs are 15 for 17 stealing.