Ian Stewart is not in Saturday's lineup against the Nationals.

The Cubs will instead go with utilityman Joe Mather against the left-handed Gio Gonzalez. Mather earned an Opening Day roster spot by batting .382/.425/.691 with three home runs in 26 games this spring.

Ian Stewart admitted Tuesday that he's going to have to manage his left wrist condition this season.

Stewart missed some time last season with what was described as a left wrist contusion. And while he's feeling better, the 26-year-old often wears a large wrap around the wrist in an effort to manage the condition. "It's a thing that's probably not going to heal during the season, but it's not like it's broke or anything," said Stewart. "It's more like inflammation, just some general soreness. The best chance is in the offseason and even then (we) start working out right when the season's over." Stewart, who was acquired from the Rockies over the winter, is expected to serve as the Cubs' starting third baseman in 2012.

Ian Stewart (quad) is in Tuesday's lineup.

Stewart had been sidelined since last Thursday because of soreness in his right quadriceps muscle. But it was never a major concern among the Cubs' team trainers. The 26-year-old former Rockie is expected to start at third base this year on the north side of Chicago.

Ian Stewart (quad) is expected to return to the Cubs' Cactus League lineup on Tuesday.

Stewart has been out since Thursday due to quad soreness. An MRI taken this weekend came back clean, and the Cubs aren't concerned about it being a lingering issue. Stewart will start at third base this year in Chicago.

Cubs manager Dale Svuem said an MRI on Ian Stewart's quad came back clean, but the third baseman could be out several more days as a precaution.

It doesn't sound like anything that will threaten his availability for Opening Day, but with Stewart's issues last season, he could use as many reps in spring training as possible. He remains an intriguing bounce-back candidate but one that probably should be avoided in mixed leagues for now.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum confirmed Wednesday that Ian Stewart will not be in a platoon at third base.

"Stewart's going to play," Sveum said. "These things are all left up to them and how they're doing at the time. But there is no platoon situation in mind at all for anybody right now." Stewart has a .223 career batting average against left-handers and hit just .091 against them in 2011. But the Cubs are going to give him a full-time role and see if he can make the necessary adjustments.

The Cubs and 3B Ian Stewart avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.237 million contract.

Stewart, who was acquired from the Rockies last month, was arbitration-eligible for the second time this offseason. The 26-year-old third baseman batted just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers over 136 plate appearances at the big league level in 2011, but Theo Epstein and company are hoping something clicks with the change of scenery.

Cubs acquired 3B Ian Stewart and RHP Casey Weathers from the Rockies for OF Tyler Colvin and INF D.J. LeMahieu.

The two sides had been discussing the deal throughout the Winter Meetings and finally reached an agreement on Thursday night. Stewart had a pitiful .156/.243/.221 batting line with zero homers and six RBI in 136 plate appearances this past year for Colorado, but he's shown flashes of power in the past and may be able to get back on track in a different environment. It's a worthwhile risk for Theo Epstein and Co.

According to Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com, trade negotiations between the Cubs and Rockies involving third baseman Ian Stewart are "still fluid."

The Pirates have also checked in with the Rockies on Stewart, who posted a miserable .156/.243/.221 batting line with zero homers and six RBI in 136 plate appearances this past year for Colorado. He's due to make more than $2 million via arbitration in 2012.

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Pirates have "kept in touch" with the Rockies regarding the possibility of trading for Ian Stewart.

The Pirates already have one disappointing third baseman in Pedro Alvarez, so they might as well add another one, right? In all seriousness, he wouldn't be a bad buy low opportunity if the price is right, as he offers an insurance policy for Alvarez and cold probably also move across the diamond to help out at first base if need be. The Cubs are also interested in Stewart.

The Cubs interest in Colorado third baseman Ian Stewart has waned, according to MLB.com.

"The situation remains fluid, however, so it's not beyond the realm of possibility that they'll jump back in," writes Rockies beat reporter Thomas Harding. A handful of names have been thrown around in trade talks between the clubs, including infielder Blake DeWitt, outfielder-first baseman Tyler Colvin, infielder D.J. LeMaiheu and left-handed reliever Scott Maine. The 26-year-old Stewart batted just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers and a .464 OPS over 136 plate appearances at the major-league level this season, but makes for an intriguing buy-low candidate. He projects to make around $2 million in his second year of arbitration.

Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Cubs and Angels have been the most active teams for the Rockies' Ian Stewart.

Morosi reported over the weekend that the Orioles, Mariners, Pirates and Diamondbacks are also in the mix. The 26-year-old Stewart batted just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers and a .464 OPS over 136 plate appearances at the major-league level this season, but makes for an intriguing buy-low candidate. He projects to make around $2 million in his second year of arbitration.

The Orioles, Cubs, Mariners, Pirates and Angels have called the Rockies to inquire about Ian Stewart, according to FoxSports.com's Jon Morosi.

The Diamondbacks are also reportedly interested. Troy Renck of the Denver Post reported that while the "most likely scenario" is that Stewart is traded this offseason, the Rockies are ready to hang on to him if they don't get what they want. If the Rockies wind up hanging on to Stewart, he'll compete for the third base job with Jordan Pacheco, Chris Nelson and Brandon Wood until Nolan Arenado is ready.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Diamondbacks are one of at least four teams that have talked to the Rockies about Ian Stewart.

The Rockies surely would prefer not to deal Stewart to a division rival, but they'll take the best offer. Renck says that while the "most likely scenario" is that Stewart is traded this offseason, the Rockies are ready to hang on to him if they don't get what they want. The Cubs have also expressed interest in the third baseman.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Rockies turned down the Cubs' offer of Blake DeWitt in exchange for Ian Stewart.

Renck intimated previously that it was the Cubs that turned down the offer, but evidently it was the other way around. He adds that the Rockies "still think highly enough" of Stewart that they want more than DeWitt for him, with Tyler Colvin or a pitching prospect presenting more intrigue to them. If the Rockies wind up hanging on to Stewart, he'll compete for the third base job with Jordan Pacheco, Chris Nelson and Brandon Wood until Nolan Arenado is ready.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Rockies have asked the Cubs for utilityman Blake DeWitt in a deal for third baseman Ian Stewart.

Renck said talks between the two clubs have "cooled" but could be revisited at the winter meetings. It's hard to believe the Cubs would balk at the idea of trading DeWitt, who holds a career .260/.329/.385 batting line across 1,087 at-bats, if they are serious about dealing for Stewart. The Rockies appear willing to give up on Stewart after an ugly 2011 season that saw him bat just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers over 136 plate appearances, but he does represent an intriguing buy-low opportunity.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Cubs have interest in the Rockies' Ian Stewart.

The level of interest isn't clear, but Renck writes that the Rockies are currently exploring trades for Stewart. The 26-year-old third baseman batted just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers and a .464 OPS over 136 plate appearances with the Rockies this season. He stands to make around $2 million though the arbitration process, which probably wouldn't be a big obstacle in a potential trade. If the Rockies part with Stewart, they could use some combination of Jordan Pacheco, Chris Nelson and Brandon Wood at third base until top prospect Nolan Arenado is deemed ready for the big leagues.

Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said on Sunday that he "always planned on tendering" a contract to Ian Stewart.

Dealing Ty Wigginton to the Phillies freed up $2 million, but O'Dowd denied that the trade changed his thinking regarding Stewart's future with the club. Stewart, 26, batted just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers and a .464 OPS over 136 plate appearances with the Rockies this season. He has been bothered by a sprained left wrist since August, but the injury healed enough for him to begin offseason workouts. For the record, Troy Renck of the Denver Post believes Stewart will be traded this winter. If the Rockies ditch him, Jordan Pacheco and Chris Nelson could form a platoon at the hot corner until Nolan Arenado is ready.

Ian Stewart (wrist) has yet to resume baseball activities.

Stewart has been bothered by a sprained left wrist since August, but the injury has healed enough for him to begin offseason workouts. "The wrist is good. I have just been lifting at Coors (Field), but I haven't started swinging (a bat) yet," said Stewart. "Maybe next week." Stewart, 26, batted just .156/.243/.221 with zero homers and a .464 OPS over 136 plate appearances with the Rockies this season. While he is a non-tender candidate this winter, Troy Renck of the Denver Post believes he could still be part of the plan at third base for next season, possibly as part of a platoon with Jordan Pacheco or Chris Nelson.

Ian Stewart will not be able to attend the Rockies' fall instructional league due to lingering wrist issues.

Stewart is still in Denver getting treatment, and the instructional league ends in a week. If his health returns within the next month he could play winter ball in Mexico. The 26-year-old infielder batted just .156 with no homers and six RBI in 122 at-bats for the Rockies this season. He's likely to be non-tendered this winter.