By Mark Sheldon

CHICAGO — Reds manager Dusty Baker left Wrigley Field for a local hospital Wednesday afternoon. A team spokesman said that Baker was going to have a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia.

Baker, 63, departed the ballpark in street clothes just over two hours before his Reds were set to play the Cubs. Bench coach Chris Speier will manage the club if Baker does not return by game time.

There were no outward signs that Baker has felt ill lately. He could be seen in the clubhouse chatting with a couple of his players. Later, he was seen by a member of the Cubs medical staff — Dr. Stephen Adams — before leaving for Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

On Tuesday in a 3–1 Reds win over Chicago, Baker managed the 3,000th game of his career.

More later when there are developments.