by Russell Dorsey
If there has been one common theme for the Cubs this season, it’s relatively unknown players coming up and making an impact on the major league roster. First, it was Patrick Wisdom’s insane power surge that started the trend and most recently Rafael Ortega’s post All-Star break offensive breakout. But there’s another veteran trying to make a name for himself.
Frank Schwindel had the tall task of being the player to replace longtime first baseman Anthony Rizzo after the trade deadline. Schwindel, who was claimed off waivers from the A’s on July 18, hasn’t looked fazed in his brief stint with the Cubs and has started to show something.
“Obviously, nobody can replace him,” Schwindel said before Saturday’s 5-4 loss to the Marlins. “He’s obviously an unbelievable player. Gold Glove, All-Star and obviously, he’s one of the most liked guys in the city.
Schwindel has had high-level success at the plate since joining the Cubs and over the last week has had a strong approach at the plate. The Cubs’ first baseman is slashing .381/.422/.714 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 13 games with the Cubs.
The Cubs’ first baseman was back in the spotlight in the eighth inning on Saturday and with the bases loaded, two outs and the team down by two runs, he continued his red-hot stretch. Schwindel lined a bases-clearing double into the left-field corner to give the Cubs a late 4-3 lead. Miami would score two unearned runs in the eighth to take a 5-4 lead.
“He’s put the barrel on the ball,” manager David Ross said. “I thought he’s done a really nice job of knowing what he does well. Being ready to hit. … I think he’s been a real bright spot since he’s come up. Pretty consistent at-bat of being able to touch the baseball.”
Davies strong despite three-run sixth inning
Starter Zach Davies struggled mightily in his start against the White Sox last week and coming off one of his worst performances of the season, he had a strong performance against the Marlins. Davies worked quickly, controlled both sides of the plate and was able to get quick outs as he rolled through Miami’s lineup.
The Cubs right-hander got through 5 2/3 innings without allowing virtually any damage and leading 1-0, but after a two-out walk to Jesus Aguilar, the game changed.
Davies got the two-out ground ball that he needed to get out of the inning, but after shortstop Sergio Alcantara fielded the ball in the hole, he tossed the ball into right field attempting to get the force at second base. It was the first of three Alcantara errors on the night – accounting for all five unearned runs in the game.
Next batter, Brian Anderson launched a towering three-run homer to give the Marlins a 3-1 lead before Schwindel’s late heroics. All three runs were unearned. Davies struck out seven over six innings of work.
“Knowing how aggressive this team is going through the gameplan meeting before the game, the idea was to get strike one,” Davies said. “They’re gonna swing. They’re gonna put the ball in play.[Wanted to] get ahead of guys so you’re not in hitters’ counts and throwing the ball where I want to and getting ground balls.
This was really a game based off last night where I knew that I needed at least those six innings. Came out of the game down, but trying to be out there as deep as possible.”
