CHICAGO (AP) -- Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker underwent another test Thursday and will remain hospitalized at least one more day so doctors can monitor his progress after he was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.
If all goes well, Baker could return to Cincinnati on Friday, the team said.
General manager Walt Jocketty visited Baker in the hospital Thursday morning and reported that the veteran manager was feeling good.
Bench coach Chris Speier served as acting manager for a second straight game as the Reds went for a sweep of the Chicago Cubs, a victory that would clinch at least a wild card spot. Cincinnati's magic number for winning the NL Central is three.
"I worry about Dusty and everybody in that clubhouse was really worried last night," Speier said. "You don't just go to the hospital for a cold or anything like that. And I still feel that way. ... My thoughts are more about Dusty than this game."
Baker left Wrigley Field in street clothes more than two hours before Wednesday night's game, and it was initially announced he would have chest X-rays to "rule out pneumonia."
The 63-year-old Baker managed his 3,000th career game Tuesday night against Chicago. He has also managed the Cubs and Giants.
Speier said he saw no warning signs that Baker was not feeling well.
"I think everybody at this time of year, everybody is a little beat up, everybody is a little tired," Speier said. "He's done it for so long. He's a little bit used to it, but I was thinking about it last night: `Wow, he's done this for 3,000 games."'
Cubs first-year manager Dale Sveum said the job is demanding.
"Whatever health issues we all have, you never take your health for granted," Sveum said. "All our wishes and all our prayers and everything go out. Hopefully, everything's good with Dusty because he's a great guy and the rest of this year is going to be very important for him to be around and healthy."
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Sunday, May 19 2013 10:15 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:15:36 GMT
Daniel Murphy hit a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning and the New York Mets beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Sunday for their first series win at Wrigley Field since 2007.
Daniel Murphy hit a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning and the New York Mets beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Sunday for their first series win at Wrigley Field since 2007.
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-19 03:08:37 GMT
Scott Feldman pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning and drove in two runs with a big two-out double, helping the Chicago Cubs beat the New York Mets 8-2 on Saturday.
Scott Feldman pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning and drove in two runs with a big two-out double, helping the Chicago Cubs beat the New York Mets 8-2 on Saturday.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 11:19 PM EDT2013-05-16 03:19:36 GMT
Jeff Samardzija hit a two-run home run and pitched eight strong innings for his first win since opening day and the Chicago Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies 6-3 on Wednesday night.
Jeff Samardzija hit a two-run home run and pitched eight strong innings for his first win since opening day and the Chicago Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies 6-3 on Wednesday night.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 8:42 AM EDT2013-05-15 12:42:09 GMT
Carlos Gonzalez homered twice and finished with a career-high five hits to lead the struggling Colorado Rockies to a 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night.
Carlos Gonzalez homered twice and finished with a career-high five hits to lead the struggling Colorado Rockies to a 9-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night.
Monday, May 13 2013 11:24 PM EDT2013-05-14 03:24:50 GMT
Travis Wood pitched seven scoreless innings and the Chicago Cubs came within two outs of their first shutout since last August in a 9-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday night.
Travis Wood pitched seven scoreless innings and the Chicago Cubs came within two outs of their first shutout since last August in a 9-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday night.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:06 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:06:49 GMT
Slugging first baseman Anthony Rizzo and the Chicago Cubs agreed Monday to a $41 million, seven-year contract that could be worth up to $68 million over nine seasons.
Slugging first baseman Anthony Rizzo and the Chicago Cubs agreed Monday to a $41 million, seven-year contract that could be worth up to $68 million over nine seasons.
Saturday, May 11 2013 11:33 PM EDT2013-05-12 03:33:42 GMT
Dominant early, Stephen Strasburg fell apart after one of Ryan Zimmerman's two errors and wound up dropping his fifth consecutive decision, an 8-2 loss Saturday to the Chicago Cubs
Dominant early, Stephen Strasburg fell apart after one of Ryan Zimmerman's two errors and wound up dropping his fifth consecutive decision, an 8-2 loss Saturday to the Chicago Cubs
Saturday, May 11 2013 12:12 PM EDT2013-05-11 16:12:33 GMT
Ian Desmond's three hits and Danny Espinosa and Kurt Suzuki also driving in runs with doubles, helped the Washington Nationals beat the Chicago Cubs 7-3 for their season-high fifth consecutive victory.
Ian Desmond's three hits and Danny Espinosa and Kurt Suzuki also driving in runs with doubles, helped the Washington Nationals beat the Chicago Cubs 7-3 for their season-high fifth consecutive victory.