Cubs struggling against left-handed pitchers

PITTSBURGH -- Entering Thursday, the Cubs had a .232 batting average against left-handed pitchers, and they are 4-10 when a southpaw starts against them. They can watch video, but there is only one left-handed batting practice option in bullpen coach Lester Strode.

In Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Pirates, the Cubs faced one lefty, Justin Wilson, and had one hit off him in 1 2/3 innings -- Ryan Sweeney's pinch-hit RBI single.

Manager Dale Sveum says most hitters don't like to face a lefty in batting practice.

"Hitters like to feel good in [batting practice]," Sveum said, adding some hitters are finicky to the point that they only want to work with the same pitcher.

"Some guys like [to face lefties], some guys don't like it, and a lot of times, it's the latter," Sveum said. "A lot of guys don't like hitting off left-handers in batting practice because it's more of a feel thing."