CHICAGO -- Derek Dietrich's season continues to be unintentionally painful as the MLB leader in hit-by-pitches added to his dubious total when he was plunked for the 21st time this season.

Dietrich was removed from Wednesday’s 5-2 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field after he was hit on the right knee in the fifth inning by an 84.2-mph Yu Darvish cutter. The Reds second baseman, who started in left field on Wednesday, initially stayed in the game to run, but was removed for pinch-runner Phillip Ervin a batter later.

“He gets hit with a lot of pitches and that one -- he’s a tough guy, but sometimes it hits you in the right spot and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Reds manager David Bell said. “He was having trouble running. We’re hoping that it’s just bruised and he’ll be back and available tomorrow.”

Dietrich was optimistic his knee will be fine and said after the game that he expects to be in the lineup Thursday. It was the fourth time Dietrich had been hit by a pitch in the series.