PITTSBURGH — President Theo Epstein threatened a “ton” of changes to an underachieving Cubs team as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.

Second base is already under scrutiny. Robel Garcia was promoted from Triple-A Iowa to provide spark to a position that has produced a .211 batting average and .296 on-base percentage entering Wednesday night’s game against the Pirates.

Garcia, 26, arrived too late to be inserted in a lineup that was missing Kris Bryant (knee) and Jason Heyward (back/hip). But manager Joe Maddon looked forward playing and meeting Garcia, a native of the Dominican Republic who never advanced above Class A in four seasons in the Indians’ system. He then went to play in Italy for five seasons.

Garcia, a switch-hitting infielder who batted .285 with 21 home runs and 58 RBIs at Double-A Tennessee and Iowa, impressed Cubs scout Gabe Zappin while playing for the Italian National Team during exhibition last fall in Arizona and was eventually signed.

“You’re always looking for new talent, and you’re always looking to push people,” Maddon said. “Of course we haven’t got out of there yet what we’re looking for. I’ve been giving guys opportunity on a consistent basis.

“We’ll figure it out and see how the young man plays.”

Meanwhile, in an interview with WSCR-AM 670, Epstein expressed his discontent with the Cubs’ array of shortcomings, from a lack of competitive at-bats early in games to “sloppy” base running and defense that has led to a 21-27 record over their last 48 games entering Wednesday.

“But you find out a lot about what people are made of during stretches like these,” Epstein told the station. “It obviously can’t continue. It’s not acceptable. There have been too many words about it and not enough action.”

Epstein provided an interesting answer when asked if either infielder Ben Zobrist or closer Brandon Morrow would return this season.

“I think they both will,” Epstein replied.

The return of Zobrist, currently on the restricted list, would fortify the Cubs leadership and provide a higher skill set with runners in scoring position. Epstein declined to reveal a timetable for a return by Zobrist, 38, who would need ample time before rejoining the Cubs after leaving the team on May 7.

Morrow hasn’t pitched in a game in nearly a year due to elbow problems but has thrown for more than a month in Arizona.

Epstein also declined to isolate the work of Maddon, who is in the final year of his five-year contract.

“I’d rather lump us in collectively,” said Epstein, adding later, “all of us haven’t done the job.”

The addition of Garcia occurred shortly after outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, who joined the Cubs one month ago before being designated for assignment, elected to become a free agent.