Maddon plans to keep youngsters fresh
Cubs manager wants to avoid playing Schwarber in outfield
CHICAGO -- Don't expect to see Kyle Schwarber in the Cubs' outfield any time soon. Manager Joe Maddon likes what he sees of the youngster at catcher, plus he wants to keep the rookie -- and the other rookies -- fresh for a potential postseason appearance.
"We intend to play an extra month this year, and if you want to wear somebody out, go ahead, but it will come back and bite you," Maddon said Friday.
"A lot of times people say, 'Well, he's 22,'" Maddon said. "He's 22 and never done it before. If we can keep 'Schwarbs' and [Kris Bryant] and Addison [Russell] and [Jorge] Soler somewhat crispy by not overdoing it right now, I think you'll see a better product in September."
• Left-hander Clayton Richard, who was designated for assignment Wednesday, was optioned to Triple-A Iowa, and he is back on the Cubs' 40-man roster.
• Infielder Javier Baez, sidelined since early June with a non-displaced fracture of the ring finger on his left hand, started his rehab with the Cubs' Rookie-level team in Mesa, Ariz., and went 1-for-3 on Thursday.