Heyward: No preference for placement in OF

Schwarber penciled in to DH vs. Red Sox; Uehara focused on future in return to Boston

April 25th, 2017

PITTSBURGH -- won his fourth Gold Glove Award last year as the top defensive right fielder in the National League. This season, he's started seven games in center and on Tuesday, made his 11th start in right field for the Cubs. Would he prefer to play right field?
"I know what I can bring in right, and I don't feel anybody brings it better," Heyward said. "For any team, you have to do what's best for the team, and that's that. Whatever will help us go as a group is the best thing in the world. I just concentrate getting my foot down in the outfield and trust my instincts."
If he plays too many games in center, it might affect his chances of winning a fifth Gold Glove.
"I'll take rings over Gold Gloves, especially now that I have a few [Gold Glove Awards]," Heyward said. "Rings are the ultimate goal."

• Looking ahead to the Cubs' Interleague series against the Red Sox, which starts on Friday, manager Joe Maddon said will likely be the designated hitter. Schwarber has been playing left field, but Maddon wouldn't mind giving him a break. He's coming back from two torn ligaments in his left knee, an injury sustained at the start of the 2016 season.
"On the surface, he's a natural for that," Maddon said of Schwarber.

• The Cubs' Interleague series against the Red Sox will be a homecoming for , who pitched for them from 2013-16. He got the final out in Boston's 2013 World Series win against the Cardinals.
"That's something I did a long time ago," the right-hander said Tuesday. "I'd rather concentrate on the future. I'm now a player who plays for the Cubs.
"It is good memories, but I'd rather look back when I retire," he said. "I feel I can still pitch."
Uehara was popular during his Red Sox days. Hopefully, he'll get a nice reception.
"I just want to show that I'm still here, and if these fans can appreciate that, I'll be happy," he said.