September 30, 2017

ESPNChicago.com, Jake Arrieta (hamstring) ruled out Sunday, likely to pitch later game in NLDS http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20862156/jake-arrieta-scratched-sunday-start-give-right-hamstring-heal-ahead-playoff-series

CSNChicago.com, Cubs closing out the regular season with a spring training approach http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-closing-out-regular-season-spring-training-approach

CSNChicago.com, Cubs still finalizing a plan for Jake Arrieta this weekend and beyond http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-still-finalizing-plan-jake-arrieta-weekend-and-beyond-nlds-nationals-postseason

CSNChicago.com, Kyle Hendricks is off to a better start to his career than Clayton Kershaw and Nolan Ryan http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/kyle-hendricks-better-start-his-career-clayton-kershaw-and-nolan-ryan-clemens-maddux-mlb

Chicago Tribune, Joe Maddon sticks to his guns, has Cubs in third straight postseason http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-joe-maddon-recharged-cubs-sullivan-spt-1001-20170930-column.html

Chicago Tribune, From lineups to use of the bullpen: Joe Maddon will be put to the test again this postseason http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-armchair-manager-postseason-spt-1001-20170930-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Stars sit again, but Ian Happ's three-run homer lifts Cubs past Reds http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-reds-spt-0930-20170929-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Nationals healthy and hungry to erase doubts in playoff series against Cubs http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-sullivan-nationals-big-hit-baseball-spt-1001-20170930-column.html

Chicago Tribune, New bullpen rules for October mean roles can change at any moment http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-sullivan-around-baseball-playoff-bullpens-spt-1001-20170930-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Rest assured: Jake Arrieta to skip final regular-season start http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-jake-arrieta-no-sunday-start-20170929-story.html

Chicago Tribune, 'That's the benchmark:' Joe Maddon delighted after the Cubs' 90th win http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-joe-maddon-20170928-story.html

Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs notebook: Unusual lineup, but Cubs still win 5-4 https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-notebook-unusual-lineup-but-cubs-still-win-5-4/

Chicago Sun-Times, Arrieta’s hamstring still ailing, scratched from start Sunday https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/arrietas-hamstring-still-ailing-scratched-from-start-sunday/

Chicago Sun-Times, Pat Foley wears Eddie Olczyk jersey while throwing Cubs first pitch https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/pat-foley-wears-eddie-olczyk-jersey-while-throwing-cubs-first-pitch/

Daily Herald, Under-the radar guys have helped Cubs fly high http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170929/under-the-radar-guys-have-helped-cubs-fly-high

Daily Herald, Even with makeshift lineup, Cubs keep winning http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170929/even-with-makeshift-lineup-cubs-keep-winning

Daily Herald, Arrieta won't pitch Sunday, Montgomery to go instead http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170929/arrieta-wont-pitch-sunday-montgomery-to-go-instead

Cubs.com, Lester starts vs. Reds as Cubs prep for playoffs http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/256708708/lester-starts-vs-reds-as-cubs-prep-for-playoffs

Cubs.com, Get Happ-y: HR powers Cubs to comeback win http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/256707856/ian-happ-homer-leads-cubs-over-reds/

Cubs.com, Back at Wrigley, Cubs celebrate, prep for NLDS http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/256747474/cubs-tip-caps-to-fans-look-ahead-to-playoffs/

Cubs.com, Cubs face tough call on Arrieta's return timeline http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/256740740/cubs-face-choice-for-jake-arrietas-activation/

Cubs.com, NLDS ahead, Arrieta to toss sim game Sunday http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/256699760/jake-arrieta-to-pitch-sim-game-sunday/

-- ESPNChicago.com Jake Arrieta (hamstring) ruled out Sunday, likely to pitch later game in NLDS By Jesse Rogers CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs playoff rotation became a little clearer on Friday when the team all but ruled out righty Jake Arrieta for Games 1 or 2 of the division round against the Washington Nationals, in order to give his right hamstring more time to heal. Arrieta was essentially scratched from Sunday's start for that reason as well. "Primarily to give his leg more rest," manager Joe Maddon said Friday morning. "A real healthy Jake pitching like he can is very important." Arrieta injured his hamstring in a start on Sept. 4 returning later in the month for two outings, but his latest one didn't go well leading to the former Cy Young winner to admit the hamstring ailment was impacting his delivery. Instead of starting on Sunday, the Cubs will pitch him in a simulated game in the coming days to control his effort level. "Anytime you're in a game and put a hitter in there it's hard to take a step back," Arrieta said of pitching in a real game. "It's nice to have a few days and completely do nothing but work with the trainers and do some stuff." The Cubs have not announced their rotation for the playoff series against the Nationals, which begins Oct. 6, although Maddon made it clear giving Arrieta extra time by pitching him no earlier than Game 3 would be the smart thing to do. "Part of the deal would be to gain more time, to make Jake well, then push him to the latter part of the rotation," Maddon stated.

That leaves Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana and Jon Lester as candidates for Game 1 and a potential Game 5, but Lester has also been struggling since returning from a disabled list stint. Maddon continues to intimate Hendricks might be his guy to open the series, declaring him at the top of his game and "one of the best pitchers in the league" right now. Maddon didn't rule out all five of his starters making the postseason roster, including John Lackey, who had a solid second half. "It's definitely possible to see all of them involved," Maddon said. "Somebody would have to be folded into the bullpen to do that but it's possible." At midseason, Lackey said he would rather retire than go to the bullpen but quickly retracted that with a caveat: If it was a postseason situation he would do whatever the team wanted. As for Lester, Maddon just wants to make sure his arm is OK. "Just about health," Maddon said. "That he is well." Lester starts his final game of the regular season on Saturday. No matter where Arrieta slots in he insists he can get the job done at less than 100 percent. More than likely that would be in Game 3 on Oct. 9 at Wrigley Field. "I'm strong enough to where I can take a little bit of effort off from my lower body and focus on finishing with my upper body," Arrieta said. "There is some wiggle room in there." -- CSNChicago.com Cubs closing out the regular season with a spring training approach By Tony Andracki Hector Rondon chopped Amir Garrett's offering about 15 feet in front of home plate and booked it down the line. He was initially called out, but was so insistent he beat the play, he stayed on first base and went through the usual Cubs routine after a basehit — waving to the dugout with a bright smile on his face, cracking up his teammates. Welcome to spring training in September. Rondon's first career MLB hit was confirmed by a replay, altering the original call on the field by first base umpire Mike Winters. Rondon's baserunning excursion lasted just one pitch as Rene Rivera — hitting leadoff — into an inning-ending double play. Rondon was then lifted from the game in favor of Brian Duensing for the eighth inning. Cubs manager Joe Maddon didn't want to use any other position players in the game if he didn't have to, so he gave Rondon and fellow reliever Felix Pena an opportunity to hit for themselves Friday. It was a fun, ridiculous moment in a game that featured a Cubs starting lineup consisting of three catchers (Kyle Schwarber, Alex Avila, Willson Contreras) to start, plus the insertion of Rivera (again, in the leadoff spot) and Taylor Davis (at third base). The starting lineup also featured three second basemen (Ben Zobrist, Tommy La Stella, Ian Happ) playing all over the place. Happ started at third base for the first time in his professional career (he only had one inning at the hot corner prior to Friday) and moved to center field before giving the Cubs their 91st victory of the season with a three-run homer in the eighth. Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez, Addison Russell and Jason Heyward never made it into Friday's game. Those five regulars will likely be in Saturday's lineup however, after taking back-to-back days off Thursday and Friday.

Maddon talked to Bryant and Co. about playing Friday, but the players opted for a second consecutive day off, while Zobrist and Contreras wanted to get back into action after taking Thursday off. The Cubs have nothing to play for, as seeding in the NL is already guaranteed and they locked up the division Wednesday night in St. Louis. "Treat it more like spring training," Maddon said of the regulars playing Saturday, "maybe three at-bats. It doesn't have to be a full game. My plan is to talk to them during the course of the game — how ya feelin'? Do you need another at-bat? You good? Just like you do in spring training. No different than that." Maddon also continued to treat his pitching staff with the caution and predetermined planning of Cactus League play. Jose Quintana was perfect through the first 11 hitters of the game, but fell into trouble in the fifth and wound up exiting after only 4.2 innings and 81 pitches. Pena bridged the gap to Rondon in the seventh, who dialed his fastball up to the upper 90s and threw his fourth staright scoreless apperance since returning from a minor elbow injury. Prior to Friday's game, Maddon telegraphed his managing style for the weekend, saying he hoped to get the main relievers out for an inning or two, but not wanting any guy to approach even 30 pitches. Jon Lester also doesn't figure to work deep into Saturday's game while Jake Arrieta won't make Sunday's start, resting his ailing hamstring and turning the 2017 regular season finale into a bullpen day for the Cubs. It's all in an effort to promote rest and limit wear and tear in a series of games that means nothing beyond ensuring the Cubs players are locked in and ready for their NLDS date with the Washington Nationals. -- CSNChicago.com Cubs still finalizing a plan for Jake Arrieta this weekend and beyond By Tony Andracki Jake Arrieta will not take the ball Sunday for the Cubs in the final regular season game of 2017. The Cubs have officially announced Mike Montgomery as the starter for the final regular season game, opting to give Arrieta some rest instead of pushing his hamstring in game action. That also means he may not pitch again until Game 3 or 4 of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals and the Cubs have no concerns at the moment that Arrieta won't be ready to go in the postseason. The Cubs locked up the division Wednesday night in St. Louis, so this weekend's three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field has a very spring training feel to it. Arrieta admitted he came back a little too soon on Sept. 21, when he helped the Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers with five innings of one-run ball. That was just over two weeks after he walked off the mound in Pittsburgh clutching the back of his right leg. "I wanted to be out there as soon as I could," he said Friday morning inside the Cubs Wrigley Field clubhouse. "I was able to go out there, but a couple more days would've been nice for recovery. We were in a spot where we needed to win some games and I wanted to be out there to do everything I could to help that out." Arrieta is planning on throwing a simulated game at some point this weekend and the Cubs will go for a bullpen day Sunday after Montgomery, manager Joe Maddon said. Arrieta said his mechanics are good, his arm feels fine and his strength is there, so he's not really focused on needing more time in bullpens. He wants to face hitters, but do it more in a controlled environment of a simulated scenario rather than in a live game.

He's still not 100 percent, though he's close. "Really the only time I feel [the hamstring] is max effort on the mound," Arrieta said. "So it's good to get a couple extra days off, especially in the situation we're in — we're already in the playoffs. "Any time you're in the game, put a hitter in there, it's hard to take a step back. Especially at the time, we were still fighting to kinda secure our playoff spot. It's nice now to have a few days just to completely do nothing, work with the trainers, do some stuff for recovery, do some cryo, some hyperbaric chamber, all these different laser lights we have that promote healing and regenerate cell growth. "That's kinda what we're gonna focus on the next couple days and then get out there for a sim game and get everything tightened up. But other than that, I feel great. When my time comes, I'll be ready, regardless of when that is." Arrieta isn't worried about his max effort, knowing he's in control of his body and has enough strength and knowledge to know how to back off his hamstring if need be and rely more on his arm. Like he said, it's not like he's trying to throw the ball through a brick wall. By taking the rest route, the Cubs also have ruled out Arrieta to start Game 1 of the NLDS in Washington. In fact, the way things are shaking out now, he wouldn't get his first postseason start until Games 3 or 4 back in Chicago on Oct. 9 or 10. "Part of the deal that we're doing would be to gain more time to make Jake well and then push him in the latter part of the rotation," Maddon said. "So it would not impact the front part of it." Maddon didn't announce who his Game 1 starter would be in D.C., but Kyle Hendricks may be emerging as the favorite, especially after throwing five shutout innings Thursday against the Cardinals in his final start of the regular season. However with Arrieta, there is no concrete plan beyond just making sure he gets some rest and back as close to 100 percent as possible. That will mean at least the one sim game over the next week before the NLDS begins. "You gotta exert yourself a little bit to make sure that it's well," Maddon said. "That's the tricky part of it - you have to push it a little bit. We're trying to extend the rest period before he does it again. "And then when he does it again, he's gotta actually go out there and pitch. We'll see. Listen, I don't have any solid answers other than that's what we're thinking about doing right now. "We'll see how it all plays out. And then if it plays well, everything's cool. And if it doesn't, then you have to make another plan." -- CSNChicago.com Kyle Hendricks is off to a better start to his career than Clayton Kershaw and Nolan Ryan By Tony Andracki While Cubdom determines if Kyle Hendricks should start Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals, a Twitter user pointed out just how impactful the 27-year-old starting pitcher has been. After Hendricks tossed five shutout innings Thursday night in St. Louis, his career ERA dipped to 2.94 in 100 career outings (99 starts).

That's a better mark than some of the greatest pitchers to even play the game, including Clayton Kershaw, Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan and Greg Maddux: It's not the first time Hendricks has bested Kershaw, having taken down the Los Angeles Dodgers ace in Game 6 of the 2016 NLCS at Wrigley Field, clincing the Cubs' first pennant in 71 years. Of course, there is one stark contrast: Hendricks made his 100 appearances from age 24 to 27. Kershaw, on the other hand, made his 100th career big-league appearance at age 23. Maddux was also 23 while Ryan and Clemens were 24. In the seven years and 191 games since Kershaw's 100th appearance, he has posted a ridiculous 2.08 ERA and 0.911 WHIP while striking out 10.1 batters per nine innings. Still, not a bad start to the MLB career for Hendricks, a guy who was never considered one of the game's top prospects and morphed from a No. 5 starter to lead the league in ERA last season. Through his 100 career games, Hendricks is 38-22 with a 1.098 WHIP and 507 strikeouts in 590 innings. -- Chicago Tribune Joe Maddon sticks to his guns, has Cubs in third straight postseason By Paul Sullivan The degree of difficulty increased significantly for Cubs players in 2017, and several failed to play up to expectations in the first half, leaving them two games below .500 and looking for answers. It was also a tenuous start for manager Joe Maddon, who couldn't get the team in gear and drew criticism for leading off Kyle Schwarber and any other number of his Rolodex-lineup decisions. But Maddon flicks off criticism like dandruff on a tuxedo, insisting it's all part of baseball's rich pageant. He said he hasn't changed a thing since he started out, that changing lineups to utilize his bench and rest regulars is one of his trademarks. "That's my whole managerial career," he said. "It's because we're not set up for (sticking with a regular lineup), and because if you did, guys would be dead in the ground right now." Maddon will likely employ a more set lineup in the postseason, with the same four infielders and Willson Contreras behind the plate. The outfield rotation will depend on who's pitching and whether Jason Heyward sits against some left-handers, as he did in the 2016 postseason. No matter what Maddon decides when he sits in front of his iPad Pro and writes out the lineup, he knows it probably will start a spirited debate. Why does it fascinate Cubs fans that Maddon won't stick with a lineup? "I think it's a regurgitation of what they've heard a lot of times," he said. "Whether it's interfamily or talk radio or if they listen to one source and that source is pounding on that, they'll regurgitate. "I get it. It's barroom banter, something to do on the internet now, or you read it in the paper or it's your favorite talk-radio guy." Maddon admitted this season was "tougher" than last for him while trying to keep his players "even-keeled, believing in themselves, not losing faith, not becoming pessimistic" during the first-half struggles.

"Everybody is looking in all different directions for answers, and for me the whole thing was mental fatigue, be patient, don't run them into the ground too early," he said. "And I thought, if we're good, if we're healthy, it'll come back to us. "It's hard to convince people something that simplistic is an answer or a reason. It has to be, like, mechanical, or a guy isn't using his abilities, or a guy doesn't care anymore, or he's satisfied with what has happened in the past. I don't believe that. "I do believe that the adrenaline that's utilized — the adrenaline junkie in all of us — from the previous two years, it's hard to get back to that level. Here comes April, May, June ... it's hard to really recharge or get to that mental level." The Cubs managed to recharge in the second half, and now they're heading to their third straight postseason under Maddon, the first time that has happened since 1906-08. Maddon won't win the NL Manager of the Year award, but it might have been his best job in his three seasons in Chicago, managing to keep hope alive when it looked like a repeat might be a pipe dream. "The one thing we all take away from Joe is when we were five out on July 1st or 3rd or whatever, and he didn't say, 'Oh, my God, we're five out on July 3rd,'" Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said. "He said, 'We have a good team, we're just going to keep playing and it's a long season.' "One of the things that will really be the hallmark of Joe Maddon when he's in the Hall of Fame, people will talk about a guy who managed his team the whole season. Not just for June." Maddon's appeal lies in his everyman approach to life. Even though most Cubs fans, and baseball fans in general, disagreed with his handling of Aroldis Chapman and Kyle Hendricks in the World Series, some accusing Maddon of overmanaging on the big stage, he remains as popular as ever in Chicago. It's really no surprise. Chicago likes its characters, and Maddon is like a character actor in a profession full of George Clooneys. When Cubs President Theo Epstein first interviewed him for the Red Sox managerial vacancy that went to Terry Francona, Epstein's first impression was Maddon was someone who refused to compromise his personality to get a coveted job. "It was just how different he was than anyone else we ever interviewed — his offbeat sense of humor, and the use of the language and the way his mind worked, and his mode of transportation," Epstein once told me, referring to Maddon's bicycle. "It was different. Everything about him was different than what you would expect from a manager, and it was great and refreshing." Epstein passed on Maddon, who went on to establish himself with Tampa Bay, defying the odds by making the small-market, low-payroll Rays a perennial contender. When Maddon exercised the opt-out clause in his contract after 2014 and arrived in Chicago with his "shot-and-a-beer" news conference at the Cubby Bear, one of his first edicts was he would be "talking playoffs" in 2015. It sounded like fake news, but the Cubs have been talking playoffs ever since Maddon arrived. "Chicago has changed me in that I feel so fortunate to get the opportunity to live there," Maddon said. "I've always wanted to live in an urban situation, in a big city, and the best one came to me very fortuitously.

"Living there for me, a guy from my background and how I got there, to be 60 years old and have this first-time event, first-time method of doing all this, I felt so revitalized and refreshed. It was kind of like being a freshman in college and going to the University of Chicago Cubs." Cubs fans immediately accepted Maddon, and three years into his job, he feels completely at home. "Chicago is just a bigger version of Hazleton, (Pa.)," he said. "I was so familiar with everybody there, the people I'd met for the first time. It's really just a bunch of small neighborhoods, no different (than Hazleton). So there are all these connections. I can't tell you why (I was accepted), but Hazleton is a microcosm of Chicago. It's like home and I connected with them immediately." Maddon has two years left on his five-year, $25 million deal, though an extension before long seems a no-brainer. At this point, Maddon doesn't see himself managing in any other city. "No, I hope not," he said. "I don't want to. We'll see how long everyone wants to stay together, keep the band together, and then I don't even know what the next thing is for me. "I know with my age (63), it indicates it should be (the last stop), but hopefully we'll keep it rolling right. You have different things you might want to accomplish later in your life, but I'm pleased and fortunate to be where I'm at." Now Maddon is back in the October spotlight, where the scrutiny is more intense and every move becomes life or death. He welcomes the regurgitation, same as it ever was. -- Chicago Tribune From lineups to use of the bullpen: Joe Maddon will be put to the test again this postseason By Paul Skrbina The Cubs are sharing postseason greetings for the third consecutive season, the first time that has happened in more than 100 years. Some of the faces have changed since last year, when the Cubs won their first World Series since 1908 — and mostly made it look easy in the process. But that accomplishment didn't come without scrutiny, especially for manager Joe Maddon. His handling of the bullpen, for instance, came under question time and again. Now they are on a quest to become the first back-to-back champions in baseball since the Yankees in 1999-2000, and yet more questions remain as they prepare for their National League Division Series against the Nationals. • Who will play the outfield? • Who will start Game 1? • How will Maddon use the bullpen? • Will John Lackey be on the playoff roster? Here's a look at some things that could have a lot to do with whether the Cubs can repeat. Note: All stats are through Wednesday, when the Cubs clinched the division. Line 'em up

Maddon's batting orders are never as simple as 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9. In fact, the more things change, the more they never stay the same when it comes to the Cubs. Through 158 games, Maddon had used 139 lineup combinations, 153 when the pitcher is included. The most common batting order — Kyle Schwarber, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell, Jason Heyward, Willson Contreras, pitcher and Javier Baez — has been used five times. Maddon used 130 starting lineups in 2016, and 149 when including pitchers. His most used lineup was penciled in just six times. Zobrist, who had batted leadoff 40 times, also led the team with 47 starts in the cleanup spot. "Occasionally I get surprised, but when I do I ask myself, 'Why did I expect anything different?'" Zobrist said. "I know how things change. I don't even ask why anymore. I just go with it." Zobrist is one of 10 Cubs who batted leadoff this season, which began with an ill-fated experiment of putting Schwarber there in an effort to replace Dexter Fowler, who hit first 118 times during the regular season last year, by far the most at any spot in the lineup for any Cubs player. Jon Jay has proven to be valuable from top to bottom. He settled into the leadoff role recently and led the team with 50 starts there, batting .265 with a home run, 16 RBIs and a .674 OPS. He also has proved productive from the ninth spot, where he batted .346 with a home run, 11 RBIs and a .954 OPS in 41 games. "The goal is to be in October. I've played a lot in October," said Jay, a seventh-year player who has appeared in the postseason every season but one during his career. For starters The starting rotation won't be as easy as 1-2-3-4 for the Cubs. Nagging injuries to Jake Arrieta (right hamstring) and Jon Lester (left shoulder soreness) could leave the lineup in flux until the last minute. Decisions were easier last year, when the team's starters led baseball by three-quarters of a run with a 2.96 ERA, batting average against (.213) and WHIP (1.07), and were healthy headed into the postseason. Though the Cubs are in the top 10 in each of those categories this year, they weren't close to the top in any. Some combination of Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana, Arrieta and Lester likely will make up the team's four-man rotation. That leaves John Lackey out of the mix for a starter's spot, though he could be added as a safety net in case Arrieta or Lester can't go. Lackey has said he would just as soon retire than go to the bullpen, and Maddon said he had no plans to ask him to do that, though the playoffs could be the exception. As for the order of the rotation, Hendricks makes a lot sense to start games 1 and 5. He has been the Cubs' most reliable pitcher since the All-Star break, going 3-2 with a 2.34 ERA, .665 OPS against and 63 strikeouts in 73 innings. Sure, Hendricks allowed two home runs to Daniel Murphy in his only start against the Nationals this year, a 4-2 loss. But they are batting just .217 against him in his career.

Quintana is the wild card, having no postseason experience on his resume. He was 4-0 with a 1.63 ERA, .208 batting average against, .534 OPS against and 31 strikeouts in 272/3 innings in his first four September starts. That he never has faced the Nationals also could be to his — and the Cubs' — advantage, though Howie Kendrick is 5-for-10 against him lifetime. Arrieta and Lester haven't been themselves since missing some time nursing their injuries, but both offer an abundance of experience, which counts for something to Maddon. Arrieta allowed five earned runs and six walks in four innings of his only start against the Nationals this season, but a Game 3 start would make a lot of sense. For one, it will be at Wrigley Field. For another, it could be a clinching game. Angles in the outfield The Cubs knew the ABCs of D, leading to many 1-2-3 innings in 2016, when they were the best defensive team in baseball by many metrics. Baseball Prospectus had the Cubs first in defensive efficiency, which measures the percentage of balls put into play that are converted into outs, at .745. This year they are sixth at .716. And while Maddon loves defense, especially in the late innings, he has some decisions to make. Expect the infield to remain mostly static, with Rizzo at first, Baez at second, Russell at shortstop and Bryant at third. But an overcrowded outfield presents some debate. Heyward is a perennial Gold Glove winner whose bat has improved enough to justify playing him in right field regularly. But Ian Happ's unexpected emergence has created a logjam in the other two spots, despite his suspect glove. Maddon loves World Series MVP Zobrist in the lineup, at least to start, but he's not exactly making room on his mantel for Gold Gloves. Schwarber has bounced back nicely offensively, but he's still a liability in left field. That's where Jay and Albert Almora Jr. come into the picture. Almora Jr. has shown he's more than capable with his glove and bat lately, and that he can hit right-handers. Jay has tons of playoff experience, is handy with the glove and has heated up as the season has gone on. Both are best in center, but Jay can move around. Happ and Zobrist also can play second base, meaning they are candidates to move around if the situation presents itself. Like he did during the regular season, expect Maddon to find time for all of them to contribute in some way. The Nationals boast one of the best 1-2 pitching punches in baseball in Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. Heyward boasts a career .364 average against the former and a .405 mark against the latter. As a whole, though, current Cubs are batting just .206 against Scherzer and .257 against Strasburg. Heyward and the Cubs struggle even more against Gio Gonzalez. Heyward's hitting .216 against him, while the Cubs as a whole managed to hit just .198.

Wade into unfamiliar waters? The postseason likely won't be as easy as a 1-2-3 inning for closer Wade Davis. Davis never pitched more than one inning during the regular season with the Royals in 2015 and 2016, a span of 114 appearances. That streak grew to 165 after his first 51 appearances this season with the Cubs. But Maddon has gone to Davis three times since Sept. 15 for more than one inning, an effort, he said, to stretch him out for longer appearances during the postseason. "I've already had that conversation with him," Maddon said before he allowed Davis to go longer than an inning. "He's on board." Davis has something in common with last year's closer, Aroldis Chapman. Both were in the final year of their contracts. Both said they were OK with a heavier workload, though Chapman accused the Cubs of overusing him after he left for the Yankees. Davis said his arm may have been a little tired after he allowed three runs and blew his first save while pitching 1 1/3 innings Sept. 23. But Davis is no stranger to a heavier postseason workload. His 0.84 ERA in 22 postseason games lends proof to that. When the Royals won the World Series in 2015, three of Davis' eight playoff appearances lasted more than an inning, including two two-inning outings. He didn't allow a run when asked to go more than an inning. In 2014, when Davis pitched more than an inning four times during the regular season, the Royals used him for more than an inning three times in the playoffs, including two innings twice. He didn't allow any runs in thos games. Not all outings are created equally. Davis hasn't thrown more than 31 pitches in an appearance this season. Chapman, who went more than one inning four times during the regular season with the Yankees and Cubs last year, didn't throw more than 32 pitches until he tossed 42 during a scoreless 2 2/3 innings of Game 5 of the World Series. He threw 20 more and gave up a run in 1 1/3 innings of Game 6 before adding 35 more and blowing the lead in Game 7, allowing two runs in 1 1/3. Power of the pen The Cubs' bullpen made it look as easy last year as they limited opponents to a .210 average to lead the majors. But as the playoffs progressed, Maddon seemed to trust fewer and fewer of his relievers, instead relying heavily on Chapman, who pitched 7 2/3 innings in the World Series. Former closer Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop were all but forgotten, but could play a bigger role in the playoffs this year. Carl Edwards Jr. also has earned Maddon's trust in key spots, mostly because of his remarkable consistency against both righties and lefties. The former are hitting just .151 against him, while left-handed hitters are batting .120. Davis' spot is the only one that's locked down. Left-hander Mike Montgomery, who earned the save in Game 7 of the World Series last season, figures to be a capable long-innings fill-in should a starter run into trouble. Brian Duensing, another left-hander and one of the unsung heroes of this year's pen, will be valuable because of his reverse splits. He's actually slightly better against right-handed hitters (.234 vs. .260 against lefties). Justin Wilson could serve as the third specialty lefty in the pen, his struggles since joining the Cubs from the Tigers notwithstanding.

-- Chicago Tribune Stars sit again, but Ian Happ's three-run homer lifts Cubs past Reds By Paul Skrbina Alex Avila and Ian Happ had a baseball game to play Friday. Except Avila didn't have a glove — at least one he was comfortable using to play first base, where he was penciled into the Cubs lineup against the Reds. So he borrowed one from teammate Victor Caratini, who delivered the beat-up brown piece of equipment to Avila a couple of hours before his 43rd career appearance at first base. "I do have one, but I don't trust it yet," Avila said of a first baseman's mitt, adding that his wasn't broken in. Happ took his glove to third base for the first time as a starter during the Cubs' 5-4 victory, their 91st of the season, at Wrigley Field to begin the team's final homestand of the regular season. His bat, though, was the reason the Cubs were able to win for the 14th time in 17 games. His two-out, three-run home run in the eighth inning put them ahead for good. "Home runs in Wrigley definitely never get old," said Happ, who hit his 24th, the second-most by a switch-hitting rookie in National League history behind the 26 of the Pirates' Josh Bell, also this season. Happ even took a curtain call on the dugout steps afterward. Many Cubs emerged from the dugout before the game to acknowledge the 36,258 in attendance after a montage played on the video board celebrating the team's recent clinching of the National League Central Division. But some of the Cubs who emerged from the dugout to begin the game, while familiar faces, were in not-so-familiar places. Ben Zobrist was in right field. Tommy La Stella was at second base. Mike Freeman played shortstop. Later, Taylor Davis moved to third and Happ to center. Rene Rivera relieved Willson Contreras behind the plate. All of this was in the name of rest for players such as Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Jason Heyward, whose requests for two consecutive days off were granted. "It's enjoyable," Bryant said. "When you get a spot in the playoffs it's kind of nice to relax, just be a fan for a couple days before all the craziness starts. "I feel like I'm getting tired quicker than when I would play. I'm sleeping better." But manager Joe Maddon said the Cubs will be closer to normal for the final two games of the series Saturday and Sunday before four off days that separate the regular season from the first game of the National League Division Series against the Nationals, which begins Friday in Washington. That means Bryant, Rizzo and Co. will return to the starting lineup. But that doesn't mean they'll be there for long. "Treat it like a spring training, maybe three at-bats," Maddon said. "It doesn't have to be a full game. My plan is to talk to them during the game: 'How are you feeling? You need another at bat? You good?'" In the meantime, Maddon will try to figure out what to do with his pitching staff for the postseason.

Jose Quintana was good to start Friday, retiring the first 11 he faced before Joey Votto's double with two outs in the fourth. The Reds scored four in the fifth, though, all of which were charged to Quintana. Jon Lester will pitch Saturday, and Maddon imagines his outing, too, will be brief considering Lester's recent issues with left shoulder soreness and the playoffs ahead. The team said Friday that Jake Arrieta will not start Sunday in the regular-season finale in favor of resting his right hamstring. "It's just about health, that he is well," Maddon said. "We have ideas and we'll figure it out after that." Extra innings: Maddon said Albert Almora Jr., who bruised his right shoulder Tuesday after colliding with the outfield wall in St. Louis, was "close to being able to play" Thursday and is expected to be available this weekend. ... Blackhawks TV play-by-play broadcaster Pat Foley wore a Cubs Eddie Olczyk jersey Friday when he threw a ceremonial first pitch. Olczyk, Foley's TV partner, announced in early August he had been diagnosed with colon cancer. Foley wore the jersey backward, so people could see Olczyk's name, while he sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch. -- Chicago Tribune Nationals healthy and hungry to erase doubts in playoff series against Cubs By Paul Sullivan The Nationals finally got their entire team back in the final week of this injury-plagued season, just in time to face the World Series champion Cubs in the long-anticipated National League Division Series matchup that opens Friday in Washington. On paper, it's a team that has the talent to win it all, but whether Bryce Harper can be Bryce Harper with only a handful of games under his belt to get ready is anyone's guess. "I'm just glad we're in a situation where we can have them all," manager Dusty Baker said Friday night at Nationals Park. "Next, hopefully they can get sharp. "That's what we need now, because everyone on paper you're this or that, but the paper doesn't play. And if the guys on paper aren't sharp, the paper doesn't mean anything. I'm just glad they're all back. Been a while." Everything seems to be coming together at the right time for the Nationals, with a clubhouse full of stars and a pair of aces, Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg, likely going in some order in the first two games at Nationals Park. "Yeah, but Chicago has a great team and it's going to take everything about us if we're going to beat them," Scherzer said. "Funny things can happen in a five-game series. Anything can happen. Fortunately, we have home-field advantage. Hopefully our crowd supports us." Washington is starving for a champion, and the 2017 Nationals may be the best chance ever to end the city's storied baseball drought, which dates back to 1924 Senators World Series triumph, the only one in the city's history. The Nationals came into existence in 2005 after the Expos moved from Montreal. They have been to three postseasons since 2012, losing in the division series each time, including a 3-2 heartbreaker to the Dodgers last year.

"I think cities can rally around sports, no matter what the history is," catcher Matt Wieters said. "Any time you can bring a first championship to a city it would be something special, but more importantly for us we feel like we have a good team and have a shot. "To be able to give it the best shot we can is all we can do." Does this story sound familiar to Cubs fans? The midseason additions of relievers Ryan Madson, Brandon Kintzler and Sean Doolittle have solidified the Nationals bullpen, a glaring weakness in the first half, and they still had 97 victories entering Saturday's action, in spite of all the injuries and bullpen issues. The Cubs, of course, already have their rings, and their own epic drought finally is over. So the pressure is squarely on the Nationals, and Baker, to get over the NLDS hump and at the very least get into the World Series. "Pressure is the wrong word," Scherzer said. "It has kind of like a negative connotation to it. I would say we have a chip on our shoulder. "Look, we get it. I get it. We haven't had the success in the postseason we probably should have. I've only played in one of them, and last year, the effort we gave in five games against the Dodgers was as good an effort as any team I've been part of in the postseason. "So for me, I know what these guys are capable of, and we're capable of beating any team in the major leagues. So if we bring it, we have as good a chance as any to win a five-game series." The big question mark heading into the NLDS is the health of Harper, who missed 41 games with a hyper-extended left knee before returning Tuesday night. The man with the perfect hair was having another MVP-caliber season until going on the disabled list, but he didn't have a minor-league rehab stint before returning because the minors are done. In his first three games back, he is 1-for-10 and didn't finish any of them. "Luckily in the playoffs, you get some games off in between games, so it's good," general manager Mike Rizzo said. Maybe, but playing simulated games and having only 10 at-bats (through Thursday) since coming off the DL isn't the best way to get prepared for October. "The good thing we've seen is physically he's not favoring the leg, which is very important," Rizzo said. "He has had to make some bursting movements, gone to the corner really hard a couple of times on balls and spun and throw. The first step is to get over the thought your leg was hurt, and let your instincts take over. "Now it's all about getting some swings in and some timing, things that are just impossible to simulate in these simulated games." But even if Harper isn't 100 percent, Anthony Rendon, Daniel Murphy and Ryan Zimmerman anchor a potent lineup and the top three starters are solid. Scherzer, a candidate for his second straight Cy Young award and third overall with a 16-6 record and career-low 2.44 ERA, makes his final start Saturday night against the Pirates. Most expect him to start Game 1 of the NLDS next Friday, though Baker obviously is playing his cards close to his vest and won't reveal yet if Scherzer or Strasburg, who made his last start Friday night, would open up against the Cubs. Strasburg came into Friday's start with a 5.3 WAR, second among NL pitchers according to fangraphs.com. He threw 7 2/3 shutout innings against the Pirates, allowing two hits while ending his regular season with a 15-4 record, 2.52 ERA. and 204 strikeouts

Going by the Nationals' current rotation order, it would be Strasburg, Scherzer and Gio Gonzalez in the first three games of the division series. "You guys can read into whatever you want," Baker said. "I'm serious. That's your job, to read into things and then ask me and I'll tell you yes or no. Either way, that's a pretty good order, isn't it?" Indeed it is. Scherzer has 14 postseason appearances with the Tigers and Nationals, including 12 starts, going 4-4 with a 3.74 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings. He has come close, pitching in five postseasons, but still has no World Series ring. But Scherzer remains one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, and this is the time of the year when experience should matter. Right, Max? "It does and it doesn't," he replied. "Whoever is playing the best baseball, that matters." -- Chicago Tribune New bullpen rules for October mean roles can change at any moment By Paul Sullivan One of last season's most intriguing postseason trends was the use of relievers in different roles, which Indians manager Terry Francona employed to great effect with Andrew Miller, who came in any time he was needed instead of being saved for the seventh, eighth or ninth inning. Was that merely a blip, or will this year see a repeat? "When you have neutral guys that can play sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth innings, it's a lot easier to match up as opposed to ... lefties (who are) better against lefties and righties against righties," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "When you have these neutral guys that can fight through innings, it makes it easier to formulate your bullpen in the latter part of the game. "I think it's becoming in vogue to do those kinds of things. It's gotten away from 'You're the seventh-inning pitcher, or the eighth-inning pitcher,' etc. And with that I think you might see more attempts to match up." Closers also are called upon to pitch multiple innings in October, like back in the days of Goose Gossage. Aroldis Chapman memorably was asked to do so last year with the Cubs, with mixed results. After signing with the Yankees as a free agent, Chapman claimed Maddon "abused" him in the World Series, even though he agreed to be used in the eighth innings at the time. Chapman lost his closer role this summer after returning from a DL stint for inflammation in the rotator cuff of his left shoulder. He recently won it back and should be OK to go multiple innings for the Yankees if needed. Cubs closer Wade Davis recently began throwing multiple innings in preparation for the postseason, and he admitted his arm was dragging after his first blown save against the Brewers. But Davis was rested this week and is prepared to increase his workload for the postseason. Nationals manager Dusty Baker has used Sean Doolittle as his closer and Brandon Kintzler and Ryan Madson as his primary set-up men since their arrival in July. But things could change now that October baseball is near and the season is on the line.

"It's much, much different than the regular season," National general manager Mike Rizzo said. "The regular season you have to look into the grind of the season and keep guys healthy for the long haul. In the playoffs it's win today and worry about tomorrow tomorrow. Dusty is going to manage in a way that's consistent with his track record, but also with some urgency to win that particular game." Cashing in: Last spring I asked Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen if the high price of starting pitching will ever stop going up. "Has it stopped yet?" he asked. "How long you've been writing? Thirty years? Has it stopped in 30 years?" Nope, but there has to be a limit at some point, especially now that David Price's seven-year, $217 million deal in 2016 with the Red Sox, the highest ever for a pitcher, is turning into a disaster. Giants starter Matt Cain, who announced his retirement last week, helped start the gold rush for starters with a six-year, $127.5 million deal in 2012, then the largest contract ever for a right-handed pitcher. Cain has been injured and underachieving the last four years, making the contract an albatross. The Cubs' Jake Arrieta and Rangers' Yu Darvish are among the top-of-the-line starters eligible for free agency after the World Series, along with the Giants' Johnny Cueto, who can opt out of the remaining $43 million and three years of the $130 million contract he signed just last year. "I don't think the price is going to go down on elite starters," Giants manager Bruce Bochy told me in spring training. "They dominate. And you look at if you get to the postseason, those are the guys that can carry you through the postseason, help you get to where you want to go. It's always going to be there, and it's only going to go higher." Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, Stephen Strasburg, Jon Lester and Zack Greinke are proof positive of that, and Arrieta and Darvish should cash in soon, especially if they dominate in October despite injuries. Who's hot Matt Olson: A's rookie had more home runs (24) than singles (23). Going back to at least 1913, had third-most homers of anyone in his first 70 games. Nationals: Road warriors finished with best away record in NL (50-31), a franchise mark including their years as the Montreal Expos. J.D. Martinez: Acquired from Tigers, Diamondbacks outfielder had major-league leading .770 slugging percentage in second half, ahead of Giancarlo Stanton's .717. Who's not Jordan Zimmermann: Tigers veteran posted 6.08 ERA, highest in majors of any qualifying pitcher, highest in franchise history (29 or more starts). Mike Matheny: Second straight season failing to make playoffs. May not get fired, but Cardinals fans have lost faith in their manager. Adam Engel: Tough start for White Sox rookie, whose .171 average entering final weekend was lowest of any player with 200 or more at-bats. Fact check

The Twins became the first team in history to lose 100 games one season and make the postseason the next. They lost 103 games in 2016 and received the first pick in the 2017 draft. They're 0-4 in postseason series with 2-12 mark vs. Yankees, their AL wild-card game opponent. The list Most games with no postseason appearance: Name, Games Ernie Banks, 2,528 Luke Appling, 2,422 Mickey Vernon, 2,409 Buddy Bell, 2,405 Ron Santo, 2,243 -- Chicago Tribune Rest assured: Jake Arrieta to skip final regular-season start By Paul Skrbina Jake Arrieta's pitching days are over — until ... The Cubs right-hander won't make his final regular-season start Sunday against the Reds, but instead will throw a simulated game Wednesday before the National League Division Series begins Friday against the Nationals. Arrieta, who missed 2 1/2 weeks earlier this month with a sore right hamstring, said he feels fine but that the injury has affected his mechanics. "It's all about October," he said in reference to being healthy for the playoffs. Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Arrieta could be pushed back in the playoff rotation as a result of missing his start Sunday, meaning the soonest he likely would start would be Game 3 of the NLDS, which is scheduled for Oct. 9 at Wrigley Field. Arrieta said the extra rest has more to do with precaution than anything and added that he may have rushed his return from the injury. Maddon said Mike Montgomery will start Sunday in Arrieta's stead. "Whenever they want me to pitch," Arrieta said. "If it's Game 1, 2, 3 — it doesn't matter. This is ... to allow a little more healing to take place. "I probably jumped out there too a little quickly, but I wanted to be out there as soon as I could." Arrieta lasted just three innings and threw 67 pitches in his start Tuesday against the Cardinals, who scored five runs (three earned) against him. Arrieta, who will be a free agent after this season, has made 30 starts in 2017, posting a 14-10 record and 3.53 ERA.

"You have to exert yourself a little bit to make sure it's well," Maddon said of the injury. "We're just trying to extend the rest period before he does it again. Arm-wise, he's fine. Everything's fine except that. "He's still not 100 percent; it's good, but it's not 100." -- Chicago Tribune 'That's the benchmark:' Joe Maddon delighted after the Cubs' 90th win By Mark Gonzales With a National League Central title and playoff berth wrapped up, the Chicago Cubs didn't display a letdown even with a lineup Thursday night comprised of several players who spent extensive time at Triple-A Iowa. Aside from starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks, the reserves carried the torch in a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals for their 90th victory. "That’s always the goal," manager Joe Maddon said. "When the season begins, I’m always looking at 90-plus (wins). That's the benchmark. Believe me, that’s not lost on me. I said that as soon as it happened. I love that number and hope to keep building on it above and beyond "Give our guys a ton of credit for the physical and mental effort they’ve given since then." The 90-win mark didn't seem attainable after a 43-45 start in the first half and a three-game sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers three weekends ago that dropped the Cubs' record to 77-66. Since then, the Cubs have embarked on a 13-3 run. “The guys playing better in general," Hendricks said. "The starting pitching got a lot better in the second half. The bullpen was good all year. the offense scored more runs in second half. "Mentally, maybe we were tired from year before. Every year is different. We had ups and downs and figured it out late." -- Chicago Sun-Times Cubs notebook: Unusual lineup, but Cubs still win 5-4 By Toni Ginnetti Rest is the prescription the Cubs have followed for regulars since clinching the NL Central title Wednesday, but it will be back to business Saturday. The lineup Friday included regulars Ben Zobrist in right field, Willson Contreras catching, Kyle Schwarber in left field and Ian Happ — at third base. “The [regular] guys in there [Friday] wanted to be in,’’ manager Joe Maddon said. The regulars who return Saturday probably will have limited playing time — “like a spring training game,’’ Maddon said. The rest has been welcome, Kris Bryant said.

“It’s enjoyable. When you get a spot in the playoffs, it’s good to relax beforehand. I’m definitely using it to calm down and enjoy some baseball,’’ Bryant said. “It’s much needed. I’m enjoying it, but I’ll be ready to be back in there.’’ Getting reserve players time on the field can be beneficial looking ahead, Bryant said. “It’s fun, too, because you get a read on the other guys. [Thursday] we had a very different lineup but we still won, and it was good for them to be in that environment of still a big crowd and a rivalry [against St. Louis.] It’s always good to get that kind of experience.’’ Not Happ-less Happ’s three-run homer in the eighth sealing the Cubs’ 5-4 comeback victory Friday was his 24th of the season, second most all-time by a switch-hitting rookie behind only Pittsburgh’s Josh Bell’s 26. “He’s so deceptively strong, and he’s versatile,’’ Maddon said of Happ, who played third Friday before moving to center field. Show-me time Mike Montgomery will start Sunday in place of Jake Arrieta, but the bullpen will fill in as well to give more evaluation time for roster decisions. That applies especially to Justin Wilson, the lefty who has struggled since being acquired midseason from Detroit. Maddon acknowledged Friday the growing likelihood the team would keep all five starters on the roster, “rolling one into the bullpen,’’ and leaving one fewer spot for the relief corps. “[Wilson] needs to get out at least one more time,’’ Maddon said. Improving Albert Almora Jr. said he continues to feel better after crashing into the outfield wall Tuesday in St. Louis. “I always want to play, but the plan is to play some at least by Sunday,’’ Almora said. Helping Puerto Rico Maddon said his Respect 90 foundation will donate all its proceeds from the sale of a new “Fuerte’’ T-shirt to relief efforts in Puerto Rico. The T-shirt sale is being conducted with online retailer korkedbaseball.com, which also is donating a portion of its proceeds. -- Chicago Sun-Times Arrieta’s hamstring still ailing, scratched from start Sunday By Toni Ginnetti Jake Arrieta may have helped narrow the decision on who will pitch in the opening games against the Washington Nationals in the National League Division Series. Arrieta and manager Joe Maddon acknowledged Friday that Arrieta’s hamstring still needs time to fully heal, likely pushing him “more deeply into the rotation’’ for the best-of-five series starting Friday in Washington. “It’s just primarily to give his leg more rest,’’ Maddon said of Arrieta, whose planned start Sunday against the Reds has been scratched. “With Jake pitching as well as he has [in the second half], a healthy Jake pitching could be very

large for us. But a leg injury is hard to evaluate until he gets out there. Arm-wise, he’s fine. He’s not 100 percent [overall]. He’s good, but not 100 percent.’’ The starters for Games 1 and 2 now appears to come down to Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks, though no decision will be made until next week. “The only time I feel [the hamstring] is with max effort on the mound, so it’s good to be off, especially the situation we’re in with the playoffs,’’ said Arrieta, who will throw a simulated game Tuesday or Wednesday. “It’s nice now to have a few days just to do nothing and get treatment and work with the trainers. “Whenever they want me to pitch, if it’s game 1 or 2 or 3, it doesn’t matter. This is just more precautionary, to allow a little more healing to take place.’’ Arrieta has made two starts since returning from the right hamstring injury he suffered in the third inning of a game Sept. 4 in Pittsburgh. The most recent start on Tuesday was an abbreviated three-inning stint when he gave up three earned runs in three innings in St. Louis and threw 67 pitches. Lester makes his final start Saturday. Lester also is coming back from time on the disabled list in August with lat tightness and shoulder fatigue. But Hendricks has been the team’s top pitcher since returning from his own time on the disabled list in July with a hand injury. Maddon stressed the decisions won’t be based solely on recent performance. “You’ll consider who’s throwing the best and also who’s capable of coming back if it goes to games 4 and 5. And you look at who you’re playing [against with matchups],’’ Maddon said. “[The Nationals are] really a difficult group to plot against because they’re very balanced. They’re formidable and I’m looking forward to the challenge.’’ Both John Lackey and Jose Quintana will figure into the mix, with Quintana proclaiming himself ready despite a rough fifth inning Friday when the Reds scored four runs. “They got a couple ground balls through, and that happens,’’ said Quintana, who avoided a loss when Ian Happ hit a three-run homer in the eighth for a 5-4 Cubs victory. “I feel ready. The regular season is over now and my mind is on the playoffs for the first time. I’m excited. I don’t know how the rotation will go, but I’ll give the best performance I can.’’ Quintana has no playoff experience, but he has big-game experience, having pitched for his native Colombia against the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic in March. “I think that game against the U.S. was like a playoff game,’’ said Quintana, whose team lost 3-2 in extra innings. “I’m excited to get this opportunity.’’ -- Chicago Sun-Times Pat Foley wears Eddie Olczyk jersey while throwing Cubs first pitch By Madeline Kenney It’s a tradition that every time someone throws out the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game that they wear the team’s jersey with their own name stitched in the back. But on Friday, Blackhawks broadcaster Pat Foley decided to break the norm when throwing out the first pitch at the Cubs game against the Reds. Rather than wearing his own jersey, he decided to don the name “Olczyk” on his

upper back — a tribute to his partner-in-crime during Blackhawks broadcasts Eddie Olczyk, who is battling colon cancer. Foley proudly showed off the jersey, holding it up and rotating in a semicircle so fans could see it wasn’t his name. Olczyk announced his cancer diagnosis in July. He’s expected to miss the start of the season as he undergoes further treatment, including chemotherapy. -- Daily Herald Under-the radar guys have helped Cubs fly high By Bruce Miles The Cubs have made their share of high-profile and high-priced acquisitions in the last several years. Jon Lester and Jason Heyward were big-money free-agent pickups, and the Cubs held lavish downtown news conferences for both. Kris Bryant, Albert Almora Jr. and Kyle Schwarber got plenty of ink and airtime when they were drafted. Each has contributed mightily to the Cubs' rebuilding process, and each figured into last year's World Series championship. But it's often the under-the-radar pickup that can tip the balance between success and failure and get a team over the top. Case in point is lefty Mike Montgomery, whom the Cubs obtained in July 2016 from Seattle for minor-leaguers Dan Vogelbach and Paul Blackburn. Montgomery was on the mound when the final out of last year's World Series was made. Two other under-the-radar pickups have made significant contributions this year: outfielder Jon Jay and left-handed reliever Brian Duensing. The Cubs signed both to one-year free-agent contracts last off-season. "To me that's good scouting," said manager Joe Maddon. "What is good scouting? That's good scouting. For me, that's where the metrics, the sabermetrics, are really important to unearth somebody that really didn't establish himself yet. That's where you do your due diligence, your work. You look at these different items that tell you exactly what this guy's about before he gets to be that guy. I've been around players like that before. To me that is the essence of really good scouting." Montgomery is the prototype of the shrewd unheralded pickup. The Cubs made a splash last year when they traded for closer Aroldis Chapman, who did help them. But Montgomery got the Game 7 save, and the Cubs have him for the long term. "Opportunities in the playoffs and big games bring out the best in players," Montgomery said. "It's definitely boosted my career. The staff here and other players here have made me better. I've learned a lot since I've been here. I think that's also part of the natural progression you see. You're never really developed. You're always learning. You're always getting better. "Obviously you have to have your star players perform. But I think it's the other guys who really provide that extra edge to a team and win a lot of games because of the at-bats Jon Jay puts up. He's got so many big hits, and Duensing's been under-the-radar. He's been excellent out of the bullpen. He's been ready to go every time they called on him. I think that's a huge plus that maybe the average fan doesn't see But us as players on the team, we know it." Duensing had an 8.10 ERA in April but recovered nicely and has become the Cubs' go-to lefty out of the pen. He has been adept at getting both left- and right-handed hitters out.

"If someone in my position as a reliever, if we're doing our job, no one really should know who we are," he said. "Most times when people are taking about it is because we're not doing our job correctly. I take pride in all those guys having confidence to give me an opportunity in big situations or whatever it may be. "I didn't really have a role early on, and maybe that helped, too, once I did establish a role. A little bit was Wrigley; I think Wrigley got me a couple times. But I think once I got my feet wet and settled down and trusted myself a little bit that I could get the job done, things turned around and started going well." Jay appeared in five straight postseasons with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2011-15. He currently has a line of .295/.375/.375 with the Cubs. He also has been a good fit in the clubhouse. "Every team has a different tale," he said. "The teams I've been part of the in the postseason have been just like this, where you're in a battle until the last day. This is kind of what I've been used to and what I've seen. It's been great. It really tests your character. We went through stuff earlier in the year. Everyone was positive. The goals were the same. It's nice to be in this position now." -- Daily Herald Even with makeshift lineup, Cubs keep winning By Bruce Miles While some of the big guys are still away, the kids are playing for the Cubs. Rookie Ian Happ -- pretty much a mainstay at this point -- hit a 3-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning Friday to rally the Cubs past the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 at Wrigley Field. Manager Joe Maddon again rested regulars Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Jason Heyward, Javier Baez and Addison Russell two days after the Cubs clinched the National League Central title in St. Louis. "Listen, I had a limited number of guys we could play today," said Maddon, whose team improved to 91-69. "(Victor) Caratini was the last available player. Zo (Ben Zobrist) went nine. Zo went ironman. The bullpen, that was the bullpen (with Justin Grimm getting the save), and Rob Z (Zastryzny)." For Happ, it was his 24th home run of the season. It came after one-out singles by Tommy La Stella and Taylor Davis and a strikeout by Kyle Schwarber. It's hard for anything to get old for Happ in his first season, certainly not a homer at Wrigley. "No, especially at home in front of these fans, that atmosphere," he said. "Home runs in Wrigley definitely never get old." Happ also started at third base for the first time this season. He also has started at second base and all three outfield positions. Jose Quintana pitched for the Cubs and tuned up for the playoffs with 81 pitches over 4⅔ innings. He retired the first 11 batters he faced. The Cubs led 2-0 before the Reds got 4 runs in the fifth, chasing Quintana. "I feel good, and today felt really good, too," he said. "Just one inning, a couple groundballs. That happens, a part of the game." A feel-good relationship:

The Cubs returned home for the first time since clinching the NL Central Wednesday at St. Louis. They were greeted by a videoboard tribute. The players came out of the dugout before the game to salute the fans. "It's always special here," Joe Maddon said. "Our fans are so fabulous. To get out there and to be acknowledged in that manner is always wonderful. It's such a love relationship between the dugout, the players and the fans in the stands. It's awesome. It was kind of neat, typically well done from our video department, watching the season unfold in a minute, minute-and-a-half, whatever it was. It was appropriate. It was really well done. Our players really appreciated it." -- Daily Herald Arrieta won't pitch Sunday, Montgomery to go instead By Bruce Miles Right-hander Jake Arrieta will not pitch for the Cubs in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Instead, Arrieta and the team will opt for him to throw a simulated game next Wednesday as he continues to recover from a right-hamstring injury he suffered on Labor Day. Left-hander Mike Montgomery will start for Arrieta on Sunday. Manager Joe Maddon also said Arrieta would pitch "deeper" into the playoff rotation, which indicates a Game 3 start against the Washington Nationals in the National League division series. Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lester are the probable starters for Games 1 and 2 in Washington, with the order to be determined. Lefty Jose Quintana could be in the mix for an early playoff start, as well. At this point, Maddon said the Cubs feel confident Arrieta will be able to pitch in the NLDS. Arrieta started Tuesday night in the Cubs' 8-7 loss at St. Louis. He lasted only 3 innings and admitted after the game that he has had to change things in his delivery because of the hamstring. It was Arrieta's second start since the injury. He worked 5 inning at Milwaukee on Sept. 21 "Whenever they want me to pitch," Arrieta said of the playoffs. "If it's Game 1 or 2, 3, it doesn't matter. I'm more than capable. This is more precautionary to allow a little more healing to take place. "I probably jumped out there a little too quickly. But I wanted to be out there as soon as I could. I was able to go out there. A couple more days would have been nice. We were still in a spot where we needed to win some games, and I wanted to be out there and do anything I could to help that out." Maddon said the discussion has been going on "the last couple days just primarily to give his leg more rest." -- Cubs.com Lester starts vs. Reds as Cubs prep for playoffs By Jeff Arnold As the Cubs prepare for next week's National League Division Series presented by T-Mobile against the Nationals, manager Joe Maddon doesn't want to overextend his starting pitching. With Jon Lester slated to make his final regular-season start Saturday against the Reds, Maddon said that the lefty (12-8) won't be asked to put in a long day.

The same goes for Chicago's key position players, including third baseman Kris Bryant, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and others -- all of whom haven't played the previous two days after the Cubs clinched the NL Central title on Wednesday against the Cardinals in St. Louis. Maddon said he will treat Saturday's game like a Spring Training game and will likely give his starters three at-bats. Players such as Bryant have appreciated the chance to catch their breath before their workload again picks up as the postseason begins next week. "When you do get a spot in the playoffs, it's kind of nice to relax and just be fan for a couple of days before all the craziness starts," Bryant said Friday. "It's kind of fun to root on the other guys." Things to know about this game • Reds right-hander Jackson Stephens (2-0) will face off against Lester eyeing a spot in the Reds' 2018 starting rotation. Stephens allowed one run on two hits over six innings in his last outing against the Red Sox. • First baseman Joey Votto will have the opportunity to become the first Reds player to start every regular-season game in a non-strike season since Pete Rose did so in 1975. Votto appeared in all 162 games in 2013 (including one pinch-hit appearance) and in 161 in 2011. Votto would become the fourth player in franchise history to start at least 162 games in a season. • Bryant enters Saturday's game with 29 home runs this season. With one more, he would hit 30 home runs for the second time by his age-25 campaign. The reigning NL Most Valuable Player Award winner would become the third player in franchise history to do so, joining Ron Santo and Rizzo. -- Cubs.com Get Happ-y: HR powers Cubs to comeback win By Mark Sheldon and Jeff Arnold CHICAGO -- In a game that had no bearing on their postseason situation, the Cubs still showed flair for the dramatic in the late innings on Friday afternoon. In the bottom of the eighth, Ian Happ's three-run home run off of reliever Michael Lorenzen propelled the Cubs to a 5-4 comeback win over the Reds at Wrigley Field. Cincinnati had a 4-2 lead in the eighth when reliever Amir Garrett gave up a one-out single to Tommy La Stella. Lorenzen was summoned from the bullpen and his first batter, Taylor Davis, reached on an infield hit to third base. After Lorenzen struck out Kyle Schwarber, Happ -- a product of the University of Cincinnati -- crushed a 1-1 fastball into the left-center-field bleachers for the game winner. "Home runs in Wrigley definitely never get old," Happ said. Happ started at third base in place of the resting Kris Bryant. With a collection of Cubs starters out of the lineup, Happ made the most of his big opportunity. "I had a limited number of guys I could play today," Chicago manager Joe Maddon said. "But Happer made it right." According to Statcast™, Happ's drive left the bat at 105 mph. With a stiff wind blowing in all day, several drives were held up and caught. But Happ's was an opposite-field rocket that didn't stay in the park. It gave the rookie 24 homers in 2017. "He put it in that left-center gap and kept it low enough to get through that wind. He hit it good to get it out of the ballpark," Reds manager Bryan Price said.

The homer was another dent in the second half for Lorenzen. After he had a 2.93 ERA in the first half, he has a 6.32 ERA since the All-Star break. "I need to become a better pitcher," Lorenzen said. For his final regular-season start and tuneup for pitching in the postseason for the first time, Cubs lefty Jose Quintana went from unhittable to quite hittable in short order. Quintana retired the first 11 Reds batters he faced until Joey Votto lofted a double to right field. The rest of the lineup came alive in the top of the fifth as the first four batters collected hits and Cincinnati scored four runs while sending nine men to the plate. Phillip Ervin's two-out RBI single provided the Reds with a 3-2 lead. Reds pitcher Robert Stephenson made his final start of 2017 and worked five innings with two runs (one earned), four hits, two walks and no strikeouts. Chicago took a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Happ scored on Quintana's suicide-squeeze bunt and Alex Avila came home on a Jon Jay sacrifice fly. "Definitely not the way I wanted to finish. I'd like to have gone a little deeper and get ahead of a lot more guys, especially early in the game," said Stephenson, who had a 2.74 ERA over his last eight starts. "But as the game went on, I got a little bit better, and by the fifth inning, I felt like I was starting to get ahead on guys a lot more often." The National League Central-winning Cubs rested several of their regulars -- including Anthony Rizzo and Bryant -- since they already have a matchup set vs. the NL East-champion Nationals next week in the NL Division Series presented by T-Mobile. MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Squeezed by Quintana: The Cubs had runners on the corners and one out in the second inning when Quintana dropped a perfect suicide-squeeze bunt toward first base as Happ came charging home. Votto made a desperation backhanded flip to the plate that was up the line and hit Happ as he slid feet-first. The ball kicked to the backstop for an error that put runners on the corners to set up the second run for the two-run lead. Century mark: For the first time since 2011, Votto has a 100-RBI season. For his second hit of the day, Votto scorched a two-out single off of La Stella's glove that scored Ervin for a two-run Reds lead and his 100th RBI of the season. Votto has reached safely a Major League-best 318 times in 2017. QUOTABLE "Truth be told, I don't really have a whole lot else to say today about this. It's a tough loss. But we've got some things to work on between now and Spring Training. I'm not going to get into specifics at this point. I'm just tired of watching us lose games that are there to win. -- Price, when asked to diagnose the struggles by Lorenzen REPLAY REVIEW In the bottom of the seventh, Cubs reliever Hector Rondon hit a squib in front of the plate that catcher Tucker Barnhart retrieved before firing a throw to first base. Rondon was called out by umpire Mike Winters, but the Cubs challenged. Upon review, officials saw that Rondon beat the throw by a hair and overturned the call. A happy Rondon smiled and raised his fist in the air with joy because it meant he had his first big league hit. WHAT'S NEXT Reds: Jackson Stephens will start Cincinnati's penultimate game of 2017 against the Cubs at 4:05 p.m. ET Saturday. Stephens gave up one earned run and two hits over six innings in a no-decision Sunday vs. the Red Sox in his last outing. His big league debut came vs. the Cubs on July 1, and he was a 5-3 winner with three earned runs and six hits allowed over five innings.

Cubs: Jon Lester will start for the Cubs against the Reds at 3:05 p.m. CT Saturday. He is coming off a strong outing against the Cardinals, when he allowed just one run on five hits over six innings as he continues to tune up for the upcoming NL Division Series against the Nationals. -- Cubs.com Back at Wrigley, Cubs celebrate, prep for NLDS By Jeff Arnold CHICAGO -- Long before Ian Happ brought the Wrigley Field crowd to life with a go-ahead three-run homer that capped a rally Friday afternoon, Cubs fans found reason to celebrate. Two days after they clinched the National League Central title with a victory in St. Louis, the Cubs began their final regular-season homestand not only with a comeback win over the Reds, but with moment to reflect on their third straight postseason berth. A pregame video tribute encapsulated Chicago's run to the division title before players emerged out of the dugout and acknowledged a standing ovation. But after Friday's 5-4 victory that gave the Cubs their 91st win of the season, manager Joe Maddon made one thing clear: The Cubs aren't content with celebrating winning their division as they begin preparations for next week's NL Division Series presented by T-Mobile against the Nationals. "Our guys also know there's more work to be done," Maddon said. "It's not like the first time you've done it -- you're so effusively happy that you'll just take anything. Our guys like it, they appreciate it, but we have a lot of work left to do." Happ's game-winning home run Friday sparked a victory that came with many of the Cubs regulars on the bench. Maddon elected to give many of his starters a second straight day off. Most are expected to return, at least for a limited time, beginning Saturday as the Cubs begin to turn their focus toward the postseason at the Nats. So on Friday, Happ played the role of hero. "My goal is to help us win baseball games," Happ said. "To be able to do that on a daily basis, there's nothing better." For a second straight day, though, Chicago found a way to win without many of its everyday players. Taylor Davis' RBI double in the 11th inning on Thursday gave the Cubs a 2-1 victory over the rival Cardinals -- a win that was finished off when reserve outfielder Leonys Martin robbed the Cardinals' Paul DeJong of a game-tying home run. Happ's emergence in his rookie year continues to demonstrate just how deep the Cubs are heading into their third straight postseason. And like in the past two seasons -- when the Cubs captured a World Series title a year after reaching the NL Championship Series -- that depth has loomed large for a team that has no shortage of star power. Heading into a series in which the Cubs will be considered underdogs to the NL East-champion Nationals, the fact so many of Maddon's youngsters have proven themselves on a big stage creates confidence around the clubhouse. "Obviously, playing in the World Series is going to be the best experience that you can have in the postseason," third baseman Kris Bryant said before sitting out Friday's victory. "Yeah, we're a young team, but a lot of us have played in a lot of playoff games, and so hopefully, we can use that to our experience." -- Cubs.com Cubs face tough call on Arrieta's return timeline By Phil Rogers

CHICAGO -- Who has pitched more big games for the Cubs than Jake Arrieta? Not Greg Maddux. Not Fergie Jenkins. Mordecai Brown? Maybe, but he retired in 1916. I'd challenge John Thorn and any other baseball historian to find five games by Three Finger Brown that resonate like the following five from Arrieta, who has been a godsend for the Cubs since Theo Epstein shook him out of a Baltimore tree. Aug. 30, 2015 -- Arrieta no-hits the Dodgers in Los Angeles during a historic second half (12-1, 0.75 ERA in 15 starts) that pushed the Cubs into the postseason a year ahead of Epstein's schedule. Oct. 7, 2015 -- Arrieta mows down the Pirates in the National League Wild Card Game at PNC Park. His five-hit, no-walk, 11-strikeout shutout was a jolt of confidence for a young team, which would add to that by eliminating the rival Cardinals in the NL Division Series before losing to the Mets in the NL Championship Series. April 21, 2016 -- Arrieta no-hits the Reds in Cincinnati in his fourth start of the season. It was a signature moment amid a 39-15 run for the Cubs, adding even more confidence. Oct. 18, 2016 -- After the Cubs were shut out by Corey Kluber and the Indians in Game 1 of the World Series, Arrieta takes a no-hitter into the sixth inning, leading the Cubs to a 5-1 victory that sends the Series back to Chicago, 1-1. Nov. 1, 2016 -- With the Cubs trailing, 3-2, in the Series, Arrieta pitches well again at Progressive Field in Cleveland. His teammates give him a 3-0 lead in the first inning, and Arrieta protects it, leaving in the sixth, with the Cubs ahead, 7-2, en route to a 9-3 win. You can see why Joe Maddon really wants to have Arrieta in the rotation for the NLDS presented by T-Mobile against the Nationals. The question on the table is whether he can be effective given the strained right hamstring he's dealt with since early September. "Jake pitching as well as he's been pitching the second half of the season … a real healthy Jake pitching like he can is very important to us, there's no question about that," Maddon said Friday. "But moving forward, that was a very significant injury. We're trying to get him back to be a more normal Jake." With the luxury of being able to spend the season's final weekend preparing to face Dusty Baker's Nats in the NLDS, the Cubs scratched Arrieta from a scheduled start on Sunday against the Reds. He'll instead throw a simulated game, and how he does will determine if he's in the mix for the NLDS. It's clear that Arrieta thinks he should be. He said Friday that he'll spend a few days getting rest and a undergoing a variety of modern treatments -- "contrast, cryo, hyperbaric chamber and all these different laser lights we have that promote healing, regenerate cell growth" -- but has no doubt he can handle a start against the Nats. "When my time comes, I'll be ready, regardless of when that is," said Arrieta, who will be a free agent in November. "Whenever they want me to pitch, if it's Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, whenever, I'm fully capable. This is just more cautionary to let a little more healing take place." Arrieta would know best, but the reality is that the strained hamstring has twice caused him to leave starts early during a September in which he's 0-2 with a 6.10 ERA over only 10 1/3 innings. That sounds like a real concern, not something requiring precautionary restraint. While this lacks the drama of finding a surgeon to invent a procedure to reinforce a torn tendon sheath in a pitcher's ankle, it's the same kind of calculus Epstein faced in deciding whether to trust an injured Curt Schilling against the Yankees in 2004. Is it better to push one of your horses under adverse circumstances or turn to other options?

Because of the trade for Jose Quintana, the Cubs are five deep in starting pitchers, and that doesn't count swing man Mike Montgomery. John Lackey, who figures to be the odd starter out, just held the Cardinals to one run on two hits over six innings in the Cubs' clincher in St. Louis. He's given up an NL-high 36 home runs, but he also has a 2.51 ERA in September, holding opponents to a .180 batting average in 28 2/3 innings. The choice for Epstein and Maddon is whether to keep Arrieta in the mix alongside Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks and Quintana or give Lackey a start against the Nationals -- his 24th in the postseason -- while Arrieta continues to recover, with an eye toward a potential start in Game 1 of the NLCS presented by Camping World, set for Oct. 14. "[Lackey's] done a great job," Maddon said. "Take away getting kicked out of the game after 4 2/3 [innings against the Cardinals on Sept. 15], he would have pitched pretty deeply in all those games over the last month. These aren't easy decisions to make; they're tough decisions, they're good decisions.'' Urgency rules the day in October, as the Red Sox showed by sending Schilling to the mound for a must-win game against the Yankees relying on an untested surgical procedure. The Cubs would hate losing to the Nationals without giving Arrieta a shot to turn the series their way. The smart move could be to buy more time for Arrieta, but it's going to take a lot of organizational discipline for them to leave such a big-game guy in the wings. "I'm very short-sighted, man, it's just about the next series," Maddon said. "Honestly. No lie. You don't even know who you're playing after that. You just got to win this one first, otherwise none of that plan matters." This is a tough call, and likely a decision that will go down to the last minute before NLDS rosters have to be submitted. But October is a tough time to trust a pitcher who is fighting an injury, especially when you have alternatives. -- Cubs.com NLDS ahead, Arrieta to toss sim game Sunday By Jeff Arnold CHICAGO -- Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta is ready to pitch whenever he is asked in the upcoming National League Division Series presented by T-Mobile against the Nationals. But Arrieta won't be ready to take the mound as scheduled on Sunday when the Cubs wrap up the regular season at Wrigley Field against the Reds. Arrieta, who missed 2 1/2 weeks with a sore right hamstring, said on Friday that rather than pitch Sunday, he will throw a simulated game to give him more time to move closer to 100 percent. "He's not pitching on Sunday," manager Joe Maddon said. "He's not. That's official." The Cubs announced after Friday's 5-4 come-from-behind victory over the Reds that Mike Montgomery will start in Arrieta's place. "It's good to get a couple extra days off, especially with the situation that we're in -- we're already in the playoffs," Arrieta said before Friday's game. Arrieta said the only time his hamstring bothers him is when he is working at full effort. Arrieta and Maddon said that the extra time off is merely a precaution to allow Arrieta to be ready for the postseason.

Maddon said Arrieta will likely also throw a simulated game on Wednesday next week. Maddon added that the extra time will likely push Arrieta back in the Cubs' starting rotation to at least the No. 3 slot against the Nats. The manager won't set his rotation until early next week, but Arrieta -- who pitched just three innings on Tuesday against the Cardinals -- said he isn't concerned with which slot he fills as Chicago begins its defense of last season's World Series championship. "When my time comes, I'll be ready -- regardless of when that is," Arrieta said. "Whenever they want me to pitch -- if it's Game 1, 2, 3 -- it doesn't matter. I'm more than capable." Arrieta (14-10) had won four straight decisions before losing two of his three September starts. But Maddon believes that the extra time off heading into the postseason could benefit Arrieta, --and in turn, the Cubs. "A real healthy Jake pitching like he can is very important to us -- there's no question about that," Maddon said. "It's just moving forward right now -- that was a significant injury. We're trying to get him back to being a more normal Jake. "Listen, he could be very large for us in the next series coming up." Maddon said how Arrieta comes out of Sunday's simulated game will impact when he will pitch for the Cubs against the Nationals. The right-hander said that he is not concerned about arm strength or anything beyond the hamstring being fully healed. Arrieta said he is able to control his effort and that he's not attempting to "throw a ball through a brick wall." But especially with the rest he could get after throwing the simulated game Sunday, he has no doubt he will be fully prepared to face the Nats. "I don't need to be any more crisp because that's there," Arrieta said. --