All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is out of the Chicago Cubs’ lineup Monday night due to soreness in his right knee.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters before Monday’s home game against the Kansas City Royals that Armstrong tweaked his knee Sunday against the Boston Red Sox.

“He just banged it up (on a slide),” Counsell told reporters. “Woke up (today) and it felt a little swollen. So we’re just going to try to give him the day today. And hopefully back in there tomorrow.”

It marks just the second time this season the National League leader in Wins Above Replacement has not played. Seiya Suzuki made his debut in center field in Crow-Armstrong’s stead.

The 23-year-old Crow-Armstrong has been one of the majors’ most improved players this season. After compiling a .237 batting average with 10 homers and 27 stolen bases in 123 games as a rookie, the lefty has produced a .270 batting average with 26 homers, 72 RBIs and 28 stolen bases this season.

He’s the only player in the bigs with at least 25 homers and 25 steals.

–Field Level Media