Maddon sees no extra pressure on young Cubs

PITTSBURGH -- The Cubs are relying on rookies Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber to secure a playoff spot. Being so young may help them.

"I don't think they're wrapped up in the fact that they're in this particular moment, they have a chance to make the playoffs and these games are overly critical," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said before the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the National League Wild Card-leading Pirates, a 5-4 Chicago loss. "I think they're out there playing. I'm not recognizing any tightness among any of those guys. I don't see it. We're just fortunate that they're as good as they are at this age."

Maddon said the young players should benefit from this kind of experience.

"At this point, I don't see the negative; I really don't," Maddon said.

• Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler will continue his rehab with Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach, which can clinch the Mills Cup Championship Series with a win on Wednesday. The Pelicans have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

"He'll finish the playoffs down there before you see him," Maddon said.

Soler has been sidelined since Aug. 24 with a left oblique strain.