CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano expects to miss about a week after straining his left hamstring while diving for a ball against the San Diego Padres.
The Cubs considered putting the five-time All-Star on the 15-day disabled list, even though an MRI on Tuesday revealed no major structural damage.
Instead, they optioned pitcher Angel Guzman to Triple-A Iowa before Tuesday's game against the Padres. Chicago called up top prospect Felix Pie, who started in center field and batted leadoff in his major league debut.
"I'm upset right now because I like to play everyday," Soriano said Tuesday. "I think I want to be there for them in a week."
The Cubs were leading San Diego 3-0 in the fifth inning Monday night when Clay Hensley lofted a fly to shallow center. Soriano sprinted in, dove and rolled as he trapped the ball. He then got up and slipped while attempting a throw. Trainer Mark O'Neal tended to him, and Soriano walked off under his own power.
A key component in the Cubs' offseason overhaul, Soriano is batting .245 with no homers and one RBI after signing for eight years and $136 million.
Although Soriano said he was feeling "much better," his status was in doubt until the Cubs optioned Guzman. Manager Lou Piniella spent most of the morning in a meeting with general manager Jim Hendry, assistant general manager Randy Bush and the medical staff.
"I want to do a lot of treatment, a lot of ice," Soriano said.
Pie, batting .444 (16-for-36) with a homer and six RBIs in 11 games with Iowa, learned Monday that he was getting called up.
"It's my dream," he said. "I can't explain how I'm feeling right now."
Guzman is 0-0 with a 2.45 ERA in four relief appearances.