Chicago Cubs' Castro 'frustrated but he understands benching

Starlin Castro said Saturday he's doing his best to deal with losing his job as the Cubs' regular shortstop.

"I felt a little frustrated, especially when they told me I'm not going to play for I don't know when," he said. "In the beginning, I took it really personal. After that, I thought about it.

"You can't put those guys on the bench. They're really hot right now and I understand. I thought about it last night. I'll do whatever I can do for the team."

Cubs manager Joe Maddon did not start Castro in either Friday's or Saturday's games against the Giants, and he said he would not again Sunday. On Friday, Maddon said it was not just a day off for Castro, who has struggled at the plate all season.

Addison Russell has replaced Castro as the starting shortstop, moving over from second base. Chris Coghlan has moved from left field to second base, and Kyle Schwarber has moved from catcher to left field.

Since first coming to the major leagues in 2010, Castro had been an everyday player.

"That's the first time," he said of the benching. "I never put my head down. I know the talent that I've got. I know the kind of player that I am. Just keep working and doing my routine."

Maddon said he understands if Castro is frustrated.

"I would be frustrated, too, from his side," the manager said. "But I thought he was very professional about it. We've got to get him right and still work him back in there. Nothing has changed. We like the kid a lot, and we're going to try to get him back on his feet and play him if we can."

Castro said no one has talked to him about switching positions, and Maddon said that's not a topic of conversation.

Even though Castro's future with the Cubs looks uncertain, he said he's not thinking he will be gone. "I don't really think about another team," he said.

The legend grows:

Earlier this season, rookie Kris Bryant was all the rage. He's still doing well, but now talk has turned to catcher-outfielder Kyle Schwarber. He was 2-for-4 with a hit-by-pitch and a run scored in Saturday's 8-6 win over the Giants. Schwarber's line is .352/.436/.625 with 6 homers and 21 RBI in 27 games.

"Obviously, it's easy to see the numbers and the hits and stuff," Bryant said of Schwarber. "But I think he brings more of a presence, and I think that's more important than any home run or double you can hit on the field.

"His name in the lineup is really important to us. Obviously, he's (played) a key role in our success recently. But I wouldn't expect anything else from him. The guy's a freak of nature, and it's been fun watching him play."

Ross out, Szczur back up:

Catcher David Ross went on the bereavement list Saturday after the death of his grandmother. He must remain on the list for at least three days and no more than seven.

The Cubs recalled outfielder Matt Szczur from Class AAA Iowa. Szczur, who opened the season on the 25-man roster, joins the Cubs for the sixth time this year.