The Cubs took three of four from Washington and looked good doing so. Rizzo is certainly on a tear this month. To my mind, it looks as if Maddon is learning the limitations as well as the plus side of his bullpen, so he is managing it a good deal better even when he has to dip in earlier than he would like. I especially liked pulling Rondon in the Saturday game when he obviously did not have it. Most managers would not have made that move with a closer.
Speculation was that the Cubs would bring up Baez for another shot when they play a bunch of road games against AL teams, but that seems finished owing to his injury today. Baez broke a finger sliding head first into second base and is likely out four to eight weeks. I rather think that throws more of a wrench into Cubs planning than might be suggested at first glance. If the Cubs were sure one way or another that Baez is the real deal, they could either promote him and trade off Castro or trade him off. Now the verdict is likely out, perhaps until after the trade deadline.
The Cubs do not have a real DH-type player on the team right now, but my guess is that with Baez off the table they won't make a move for the Tigers series at least. The Cubs won't face a left-handed starter in Detroit, and, with Lester starting on Tuesday, Ross will catch, so they can always DH Montero. On Wednesday, my guess is they will use either Denorfia or Lake depending on who starts in right field. This leaves their bench pretty short, but the whole point of the DH is you can short your bench anyway, since you don't need to pinch-hit for the pitcher.
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