Maddon, Cubs to be cautious with Edwards

CHICAGO -- The Cubs may have a key bullpen piece already on the roster in Carl Edwards Jr. Manager Joe Maddon says he just has to be careful with the 24-year-old right-hander.
Edwards, who appeared in five games last September, has given up two earned runs over 11 2/3 innings in 10 games since he was promoted from Triple-A Iowa on June 20.
"He's learning he belongs here right now," Maddon said of Edwards, who struck out two of the three Rangers batters he faced in relief on Friday.
"It's amazing what confidence does for human beings. [Edwards] is a confident young Major League pitcher who I think finally believes he belongs here."
• Willson Contreras caught on Friday, but he got the start in left field on Saturday. He did get some work behind the plate, catching Jake Arrieta's side session. The two could be paired up when Arrieta makes his next start Tuesday against the Mets.
"When you're a catcher and play another position, it's almost like a day off," Maddon said. "All this stuff will benefit him in the long term."

When the Cubs promoted Contreras, the goal was to have Miguel Montero and David Ross tutor the rookie, who has caught 11 games. It also helps that Contreras was batting .294 entering Saturday.
• On Wednesday, Maddon will host his second Respect 90 "Main Event" that will feature several rounds of local youth boxers. The event will be held at the Wintrust Bank Building in downtown Chicago, with doors opening at 6 p.m. CT. A portion of the proceeds will benefit youth boxing programs in Chicago's underserved communities.