Castro’s lingering struggles have finally forced the Cubs to face an issue they have seen coming for awhile: there’s to much talent in the infield.
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“Sometimes a change of scenery is good for everybody”. “I’m really eager for him to get back up”, Maddon said of La Stella, who injured his right rib cage April 8. “He loves it here”. Russell, a pure shortstop who had been enjoying second base since his promotion to the majors, has been the starter at brief throughout Castro’s demotion.
Or this moment for the second night in a row?
“To make that [catch] among the bullpen with the crap on the ground and guys flying all over the place, and there’s no room left, and it’s at night …” “That was a spectacular play right there”.
-1B Anthony Rizzo went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, walked and also reached after being hit by a pitch.
“He’s been our shortstop, our face of this franchise”.
“It’s wonderful because he’s been so great about it”, Maddon said on the Spiegel and Goff Show.
Castro said the Cubs hadn’t talked to him about trying a new position to increase his versatility, and Maddon said he was still going over the possibilities with his coaching staff.
“I never put my head down”, he said. “He’s the shortstop of the future absolutely”. Perhaps we are seeing him reach the ceiling, or could there be some truth that he is fading while the younger stars are ascending?
Castro is still just 25 years old, but has over 3,600 big-league plate appearances and 943 career hits. He’s very confident right now – he’s different compared to the beginning of the season. Just look at his swings; they’re looser, freer.
“But no on the other hand, in that he’s such a mature, polished, intelligent, gifted hitter, we felt like he could handle some of the best pitching in the world”.
Setback for Nats’ Span • Nationals center fielder Denard Span has experienced a setback in his rehabilitation from a back injury, delaying his return from the disabled list. “We haven’t had that conversation with him yet”. That won’t happen until this offseason, most likely, so the Cubs might have to live with a bench with an almost-completely-unproductive player for the next three weeks until rosters expand.
Russell, who singled during the Cubs’ three-run rally in Tuesday’s third, is hitting. 183 in 18 games since the All-Star break, in the dugout.
Castro, 25, said he’s comfortable with second after working there Tuesday. Versatility is encouraged in the Chicago’s minor league system, increasing a player’s value.
That is some play. “They’re really hot right now, and I understand”. “Whatever helps the team to win, no matter what”.
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Whether the Cubs can trade Castro is in large part a function of the $38 million guaranteed over the next four seasons.
