Extra bases

• Infielder Cody Ransom was designated for assignment on Sunday to make room on the Cubs' 40-man roster for pitcher Scott Baker, who was activated from the 60-day disabled list to start in the series finale against the Brewers.

Ransom batted .189 in 62 games with nine home runs, 10 doubles and 20 RBIs. He was used primarily against left-handed pitchers, batting .220 against southpaws.

"It's a weird time to designate somebody, Sept. 8," Sveum said. "It's an unfortunate thing, but it's part of the business."

Baker has been rehabbing all season from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, which he had in April 2012.

• Right-hander Daniel Bard, whom the Cubs claimed off waivers from the Red Sox, threw a second bullpen on Sunday. There is no timetable for him to get into a game, and he may not appear in the Cubs' remaining 20 games.

"It'd be nice to see, but it's his timetable and we'll evaluate and we'll find out how he's doing and how he's feeling," Sveum said.

Bard was sidelined most of the season with a strained abdominal muscle and struggled with his consistency.