In the eighth inning of Friday’s 3-1 win against the Nationals, first baseman Michael Busch ran to his left near the tarp and made a diving catch over the tarp, channeling his best Anthony Rizzo impersonation.
“The sun didn’t help, but I think it was high enough over there to where I got over there early enough to kind of adjust,” Busch said.
Those diving plays are ones players can’t practice. It takes a level of athleticism and concentration to make that difficult play, but it’s those types of plays that Rizzo — a four-time Gold Glove and one-time Platinum Glove winner — made routine.
Entering Friday’s game, Busch has eight defensive runs saved, which is fifth among first basemen. He’s continued to display growth and consistency at the position.
He doesn’t have to look far for defensive inspiration. Second baseman Nico Hoerner and shortstop Dansby Swanson are among the best defensive middle-infield duo in the sport and Gold Glove winners.
“You just keep going, trying to get better each day at defense,” Busch said. “Whatever comes along with that, comes along with it.”
Staying ready
After right fielder Cody Bellinger felt comfortable fielding after dealing with a fractured finger, the Cubs had an outfield dilemma. The team had four outfielders — Mike Tauchman, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong — but just three spots.
Since Aug. 16, Suzuki has assumed the designated hitter role 30 times as Bellinger claimed a spot in right field, Crow-Armstrong in center and Happ in left. That left Tauchman as the odd man out.
But on Friday, Tauchman came through in his 25th pinch-hitting appearance with a pinch-hit two-RBI single in the seventh inning to give the Cubs breathing room in Friday’s win.
The veteran has experience in the pinch-hitting role and takes pride in being consistent with his preparation. Tauchman hasn’t had more than one at-bat in a game since Aug. 27 against the Pirates.
“It’d be really hard for me to live with getting caught off guard on a consistent basis because that’s like that was in my control,” Tauchman said. “Staying ready for whatever situation might be thrown my way. Then, if it does come up, I’m ready for it.”
Injury update
As the Cubs welcomed back one pitcher, another one would be sent to the injury list.
The Cubs activated right-hander Hayden Wesneski from the 15-day IL — and designated Shawn Armstrong for assignment — the Cubs announced during Friday’s game that left-hander Jordan Wicks would be going to the 15-day IL with a right oblique strain. Right-hander Trey Wingenter was recalled from Triple-A Iowa.
It’s the same injury Wicks suffered in a June 14 start against the Cardinals that sidelined him for more than two months.
Wicks started just 10 games for the club this season. His injury woes are another reminder that young pitchers go through growing pains on the mound but are also injury risks. Pitching, especially young pitching, is so volatile.
Though the Cubs have some promising young arms, it’s a grind to get through a 162-game season.
“You feel like you’re in a solid position because we have a number of young pitchers that have started games and, frankly, have had success in the big leagues starting games,” manager Craig Counsell said. “With all of them, there’s been injuries.”