Maddon says Baez is game changer on defense
Javier Baez started Wednesday's 5-4 Cubs victory over the Marlins at shortstop in place of Addison Russell. The Cubs are off Thursday before opening a series in Oakland on Friday.
Baez has sparkled on defense, wherever he plays. He made a barehand play to get Adeiny Hechavarria on a slow roller to start the ninth inning of Tuesday night's 3-2 victory over the Marlins.
"He's a game changer on defense," Joe Maddon said.
Baez has been inconsistent at the plate, but Maddon could not stop gushing about Tuesday's play in the moments after the game.
"I really hope our fans, when they evaluate our personnel, to understand you play this game on both sides to be really effective," Maddon said. "He saved the game with that play."
Maddon injected a bit of humor about Baez's offensive game.
"Obviously there are days, maybe a week or 10 days, where he'll shorten up and really utilize the entire field; other times he's pretty much John Daly," he said, referring to the free-swinging golfer.
A Lackey moment:
Starting pitcher Jon Lackey and home-plate umpire Marty Foster had words near the third-base line as Lackey came off the mound at the end of the top of the sixth inning.
"He said something to me first," said Lackey, who did not seem pleased with a few of Foster's calls. "I'm not really one to back down if you want to challenge me ... I was minding my own business walking off the field."
Added Maddon: "I think Marty was attempting to tell John his side of the story, but it's really hard to tell John your side of the story during a game. I've found that out. Every time I talk to the umpires, I advise them to wait for a better moment. That's who John is. He's such a competitor."
Roster move:
The Cubs placed pitcher Jason Hammel on the bereavement list and recalled reliever Justin Grimm from Class AAA Iowa. Hammel left to take care of a family situation. A player can be on the bereavement list from three to seven days.
Grimm spent the season on the big-league roster until being optioned to Iowa on Sunday. He was 0-0 with a 4.72 ERA in 45 games with the Cubs. He made one appearance with Iowa. Grimm pitched the ninth inning Wednesday and wound up being the winning pitcher.
Hammel was the winning pitcher Tuesday night.
Cahill watch:
Right-hander Trevor Cahill made his fourth injury-rehab appearance Tuesday for Iowa. Cahill started and worked 4 innings, giving up 2 hits and no runs while walking two and striking out six. He has gone 0-2 with a 4.40 ERA.
Cahill has been on the disabled list since July 9 with tendinitis in his right knee. The plan is to stretch him out as a starter during his rehab and possibly slot him in for a spot start when he returns.