Cubs left fielder Ian Happ was not in the top spot in the order for the second consecutive day on Sunday due to oblique discomfort.

Happ served as the Cubs’ leadoff hitter for the first 39 games of the 2025 season before he missed Saturday’s game.

In talking with reporters before Sunday’s contest, Craig Counsell’s update was positive.

“He’s doing good,” Counsell told reporters at Citi Field before Sunday’s game. “Yesterday, we didn’t do any activity, essentially. Today we are gonna run around, he’s gonna hit and we’ll see how that goes. But if he’s hitting today that’s a good sign. We will evaluate what the day produces.”

Happ returning to activity on Sunday is a positive step towards a return to play. Happ initially felt discomfort with his oblique on a swing during his first at-bat in Friday night’s loss, but was able to stay in the game. Counsell labeled the injury as day-to-day on Saturday.

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“Just being cautious, giving him a day,” Counsell said about the Cubs approach to the injury to reporters on Saturday. “We’re day-to-day, not discussing an IL or anything like that but just trying to be cautious for a day at least.”

The Cubs return home to host the Marlins on Monday and the signs point towards Happ at least being available for Counsell off the bench. Chicago is eager to have the All-Star left fielder back in the lineup, as since Counsell moved Happ to the leadoff spot permanently on July 30, 2024, the Cubs are 54-38.

Happ is slashing .269/.364/.745 with three homers, nine doubles, 19 RBI and 29 runs scored and 1.0 WAR so far in 2025. The University of Cincinnati product has been a pillar of consistency for Chicago over the past few seasons, averaging 154 games and a 115 OPS+ since 2021, and has won three consecutive Gold Gloves in left field.