Nate Schierholtz left Sunday's game with an apparent head injury. Schierholtz was hit in the helmet on a throwing error in the 13th inning and had to be removed from the game. He finished 1-for-6 with a strikeout before exiting.

Nate Schierholtz went 3-for-4 with two homers and six RBI to lead the Cubs' offense on Monday. Schierholtz has 18 homers in 347 at-bats this season after hitting 24 in his first 1,275 major league at-bats. That he's gotten out of San Francisco and into a better park for power hitters has surely been a factor there, but even so, his .522 slugging percentage is a big surprise. The Cubs will be able to keep him around for next year, too.

Nate Schierholtz launched a solo homer in Thursday's loss to the Phillies. His solo homer off Ethan Martin in the fourth inning was the only offense of the day for Chicago. Some have wondered why the Cubs kept Schierholtz around past the July 31 trade deadline, but they still have him under team control for another year. Perhaps they'll revisit the idea of a trade this winter, but it's conceivable he could be on the team next year.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Cubs don't mind hanging onto Nate Schierholtz if they don't get an offer they like. Chicago is in a nice position with Schierholtz. They inked the outfielder to a cheap one-year, $2.25 million contract over the winter and have been rewarded with a .272/.332/.517 slash line with 14 home runs and 43 RBI in 89 games. If they don't appreciate what the market will bear for Schierholtz, Chicago will simply keep him. Schierholtz is under team control through next season.

ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that the Cubs appear more likely to trade outfielder Nate Schierholtz than relievers Kevin Gregg and James Russell. Schierholtz isn't a big name, but he has quietly had a very nice season for the Cubs, batting .272/.332/.517 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI in 89 games. Many have speculated on the Pirates as a potential fit. Gregg was looking like an obvious trade candidate not too long ago, but his recent struggles have likely diminished his value.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that Nate Schierholtz is drawing "solid interest" in trades. The Cubs have been very active in the trade market this month, so it stands to reason that they would cash in on someone who is having a career year at a bargain rate. Schierholtz, 29, is batting .274/.334/.523 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI in 87 games this season. Look for him to get moved by Wednesday afternoon.

Nate Schierholtz homered off Sergio Romo in the top of the ninth as the Cubs beat the Giants 1-0 on Saturday. Schierholtz has helped his trade value with three homers and four doubles in his last five games. The Cubs have him under control for next year, so they don't need to flip him. Still, if the right offer comes along, he's available.

Nate Schierholtz went 3-for-6 with a double, home run and five RBI in Wednesday's 7-6, 10-inning victory against the Diamondbacks. Schierholtz's three-run bomb off Ian Kennedy was part of a four-run fifth inning that momentarily gave the Cubs a 6-0 lead. He's hit safely in four straight games, pushing his slash line to an impressive .277/.334/.521. Schierholtz, who is making just $2.25 million this season, is on the trade block and may be roaming another outfield within the next week.

Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Pirates are "studying deals" for Nate Schierholtz and Alex Rios. Either would be an upgrade in right field, a position where the team's production (.239/.302/.377) has been lacking this season. Rogers notes that Rios "seems like a reach" for the Pirates since he's owed, between his salary and buyout, $13.5 million beyond this season. Schierholtz, who is making just $2.25 million this season, could be the more realistic fit and would form a solid platoon with Jose Tabata. Schierholtz is batting .269/.327/.498 with 11 homers and 34 RBI this season.

Nate Schierholtz is out of the Cubs' lineup on Saturday. Schierholtz is feeling general soreness, so he'll sit this evening. Cubs manager Dale Sveum said Schierholtz could sit out Sunday's game as well. Schierholtz, prime trade bait, is batting .269/.327/.498 and is on pace for 20 homers. Dave Sappelt is starting in right field for the Cubs.