Cubs manager Joe Maddon likes to talk about making moves “game in progress” to maximize his 25-man roster and employ his best defense with a late lead.
The method has been put to the test with a nine-man bullpen that leaves Maddon with only three reserves.
“There’s lots to consider,” Maddon said. “You’re probably going to see a different alignment at the conclusion of the game than we’re accustomed to. That’s the bigger difference.”
Against the Giants, for instance, Maddon preferred to keep switch hitter Ian Happ in the lineup in case of a late at-bat against left-handed relievers Will Smith and Tony Watson.
With one out in the ninth inning of Thursday’s 1-0 win, Maddon inserted Addison Russell at second base, with Happ moving from second to center field, Jason Heyward from center to right and Nicholas Castellanos from right to left, replacing Kyle Schwarber.
“We’re pretty much plugged into our role,” Russell said. “It’s all hands on deck, root for the team, pick your teammates up and be ready to do your part.”
Since the Cubs opted for a nine-man bullpen, only the backup catcher hasn’t played in three consecutive games.
