Motte sends text of support to injured Wainwright
Herrera impressing Maddon with positive approach off Cubs' bench
CINCINNATI -- Cubs reliever Jason Motte sent Adam Wainwright a text message Saturday night as soon as he heard that his former teammate was injured. Wainwright was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with an injury to his left Achilles and ankle that may be season-ending.
Motte, who pitched in St. Louis for six seasons, said as bad as the injury may be, the Cardinals always seem to find others to step up. They did it in 2013 when Motte missed the year because of elbow surgery.
"Guys step up, and that's what good teams do," Motte said Sunday.
Motte remembered watching the arrival of Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez.
"I was sitting in the bullpen, thinking, 'Who else is down there?'" he said. "Guys kept coming up and doing the job and doing what they're asked."
Extra bases
• When Jonathan Herrera reported to Spring Training, he had no idea how he would fit on the Cubs' roster. He focused on what he could do, which was play hard. Manager Joe Maddon noticed, citing Herrera's positive and professional approach, which helped the infielder secure a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Video: CHC@CIN: Herrera lines a single to give Cubs lead
"I'm a guy who believes in God and believes in myself and what I can do," Herrera said. "I'm a really positive guy. Every single day, I prepare myself to be ready for the opportunity and get my job done and do the little things and whatever they ask me to do."
Herrera, whose nickname is "Coquito," which is a bug, is batting .226 overall, but he's 4-for-7 with runners in scoring position and came through when needed in the 11th inning on Friday to help beat the Reds.
"One of the biggest things you can control is to be positive and come here with a good attitude and enjoy what you do," Herrera said. "If you prepare yourself to do something good, something good will happen."
• The Cubs tweaked the rotation slightly for their upcoming series against the Pirates because of Saturday's postponement. Jason Hammel will stay in his regular spot and start Monday, and Travis Wood will now go Tuesday, followed by Kyle Hendricks. Jon Lester will get an extra day and open the Cubs' weekend series against the Brewers on Friday.