When the Cubs’ lineup card was released Monday afternoon, there was a notable omission: Seiya Suzuki.

Amidst a red-hot streak and against a pitcher making just his 4th big-league start, it was a bit odd to see Suzuki’s name left off the Cubs’ lineup. But the outfielder has been dealing with “neck stiffness”, per manager Craig Counsell and they decided to give him a day off Monday.

“Was actually kind of thinking about last night and then with [Ian Happ], [he] had the shoulder that we just pushed [the day off for Suzuki] to tonight,” Counsell said prior to Monday’s 3-0 loss to the Twins. “I’m anticipating [Suzuki] being back in there tomorrow.”

[WATCH: Highlights from the Cubs’ win over Cardinals Sunday night]

Happ was scheduled to start Sunday’s finale against the Cardinals, but was a late scratch with left shoulder soreness, a day after colliding with the left field wall while attempting to catch a Tommy Pham triple.

Suzuki has been on an absolute tear of late — over his last 21 games, he’s hitting .325/.407/.613 (1.020 OPS) with 13 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 2 triples, 4 homers) and 14 RBI. It’s the type of production he’s had the last two years to end the season.

Mike Tauchman started in right field in place of Suzuki.

The Cubs offense struggled against Twins’ starter David Festa. The rookie, allowed just 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9 over 5 innings. They didn’t have a runner advance past second base on Monday, stranded 6 baserunners and were 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position in the loss.