Cubs' Heyward sidelined by sore right wrist

Chicago Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward is set for a short spell on the sidelines after finally admitting to soreness in his right wrist.

Heyward first experienced pain in his wrist during the first week of the 2016 season, but didn't tell the Cubs' coaching staff until after Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

"He finally said something, so we're trying to react to it right now," manager Joe Maddon said Monday, according to Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago Sun Times. "I don't think it's a long-term kind of thing by any means."

The 26-year-old right fielder has had a slow start to the season, batting .211/.317/.256 through 23 games, well below his 2015 slash line of .293/.359/.439. Cubs president Theo Epstein feels the wrist ailment could have been playing a part in Heyward's lower numbers.

"He's the last person who would ever make an excuse," Epstein said. "But he got off to a slow start last year, too, a real slow start. And when it clicked, he was off and running. I think that's what we'll see with him."