October 22, 2016

A Replacement and a Return

Jason Heyward goes to the bench for the Cubs in game six of the NLCS. It makes sense since Heyward is a left-handed batter facing a tough left-handed pitcher in Clayton Kershaw. A rookie takes over:

Cubs manager Joe Maddon has inserted rookie Albert Almora Jr., 22, into the lineup in right field in place of veteran Jason Heyward. Almora, who bats right handed, is 0-for-6 in the postseason in limited action, primarily as a defensive replacement.

“Kershaw is pretty good,” Maddon said coyly. “You look at his numbers, they’re absurd against lefties. Get another right-handed bat out there, [and] the way Albert can play defense really makes it a little bit easier. Chose him over [Jorge] Soler. I think Albert is swinging the bat well. I like his defense a lot.”

In what may be a low-scoring, close game, defense can make a huge difference.

By the way, does anyone else think Heyward should choke up on the bat? His swing is too long, and he keeps just missing the ball. Choking up may force him to focus on making solid contact.

The good news for the Cubs concerns Kyle Schwarber:

Injured slugger Kyle Schwarber could return for the Chicago Cubs if they make it to the World Series.

The Cubs had ruled Schwarber out for the year after he tore two ligaments in his left knee during an outfield collision in April. But a couple of positive medical reports led the team to activate the catcher/outfielder from the 60-day disabled list on Saturday so it could check him out in the Arizona Fall League.

I suspect he’ll need more than a few games in the AFL to get back to himself, but it will be nice if the Cubs have the option. He could DH in the four games in Cleveland.

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