4/5 LaHair hopes to be back Sunday

Bryan LaHair remained sidelined Thursday because of back problems and expected to start Sunday for the Cubs, while Jeff Baker took over at first base on Opening Day. LaHair did not play in the Cubs’ final four Cactus League games because of a bulging disc in his back. On Thursday, he was able to run and hit in the batting cage.

“It’s just such a minor thing but it’s something I couldn’t prevent — it’s like a nerve thing,” said LaHair, who blamed an impingement for the pain in his back and leg. “The nerve settled down now and the pain is pretty much out and now it’s just getting back into the feel of things and I should be back in there this weekend.”

He’s had something like this before and it’s settled down in three days. LaHair said he did not expect to need to go on the disabled list. He also wasn’t that concerned about the bulging disc.

“I bet 90 percent of hitters in baseball have that,” LaHair said.

What’s tough is LaHair, 29, has not made an Opening Day roster the last five years and this was finally his chance.

“I’ve been preparing myself mentally the past few days just to be ready,” LaHair said. “The most important thing is to not to go backwards and keep going forward and keep getting better. Once I’m better, I should be good to go.”

Baker has been used primarily as a sub at second, third and the outfield, but did play a lot of first base this spring. It’s not his first Opening Day start; he also did so in 2005 with the Rockies at third base.

– Carrie Muskat