Valbuena expected back in lineup Wednesday

CHICAGO -- Third baseman Luis Valbuena was expected back in the Cubs' lineup on Wednesday, four days after spraining the little finger on his right hand when he slid into third base.

Valbuena, who injured his hand on Saturday in Washington, has been able to take batting practice and work out at third Monday and Tuesday. He spent part of Tuesday with his little finger in a cup of ice to get the swelling down.

"[He has to deal with] the pain tolerance and the discomfort that's going to be there for a while," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. "It's the lingering soreness to the touch-type thing. It'll be manageable."

Valbuena was batting .272 in 31 games with five home runs, five doubles and 13 RBIs.