Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner misses 4th straight game with 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.