Olt limited by shoulder fatigue, may play third Tuesday

MESA, Ariz. -- Mike Olt was scratched from Monday's Cubs' split-squad game in Phoenix because of fatigue in his right shoulder, which has nagged him all spring, but said this isn't a setback in any way.

"We're just looking to keep him healthy for the rest of the spring and available," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said.

Olt has been limited to first base and designated hitter because of tenderness in his right shoulder, which he said is normal. He has yet to play third in a Cactus League game.

"I think this fatigue should be OK for us to get him over there," Renteria said. "We know he can play third base. It's just a matter of getting him over there."

If Olt passes all the tests, he could start at third base Tuesday night when the Cubs face the Rangers in Surprise.

"I'm just trying to get ready to play third," Olt said. "I think I've been putting a little toll on [my shoulder]. My main goal is to get out and play third. It's definitely not a setback or anything like that. We just felt like,'Hey, if we want to get out there soon, we have to take it easy.'"

He has been doing a lot of work at third after batting practice, making throws to first.

"It's a good thing," he said of all the work. "It's definitely a lot stronger than it's been. I think this could be a good thing for me to take a little break."