8/1 DeWitt ready to go

The Cubs didn’t waste any time getting new second baseman Blake DeWitt in the lineup. He was batting eighth and starting at second on Sunday. Acquired Saturday from the Dodgers for Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot, DeWitt said the trade came as a surprise.

“It was definitely a shock,” DeWitt said Sunday. “I’ve been with the [Dodgers] organization for a while. Like everybody told me, the first time being traded is always the toughest. You grow close to your teammates but I really couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity. It’s a great organization, a great city and great baseball.”

DeWitt did give up some ground in the standings by switching from the Dodgers to the Cubs.

“It’s an organization that’s definitely committed to winning and definitely has a bright future,” DeWitt said. “I can’t wait to get out on the field.”

He’ll get some extra time on Monday. Acting manager Alan Trammell had wanted to give DeWitt a day to get used to his new teammates but instead had the infielder starting at second. Aramis Ramirez’s left thumb flared up again. On Monday, Trammell and DeWitt and the other middle infielders will be on the field to get some extra work in.

Former Cubs outfielder Reed Johnson, now with the Dodgers, did give DeWitt a few pointers about Chicago and the team, including how to handle day games. Growing up in Missouri, DeWitt was a Cardinals fan.

“I haven’t been a Cardinals fan for a long time,” he said. “It’s an easy transition for me.”

– Carrie Muskat