- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Backup generators: Cubs’ bench provides key cogs
- Updated: September 5, 2016
MILWAUKEE — Miguel Montero has gone from being the Cubs’ regular catcher to a backup. Chris Coghlan was traded in February, then brought back. Joe Smith is just trying to make up for a bad first impression. And without them, the Cubs would have had a hard time beating the Brewers on Monday.
Montero doubled and scored the tie-breaking run on Coghlan’s single in the seventh inning of a 7-2 victory over the Brewers at Miller Park. Coghlan added a two-run single in a four-run eighth, and Smith was one of three relievers to back starter Kyle Hendricks, who lowered his Major League-leading ERA to 2.07.
“That’s what you look forward to when you come off the bench, is an opportunity to impact the game,” Coghlan said.
Coghlan was dealt to the Athletics in late February to open a roster spot for Dexter Fowler, and he rejoined the Cubs in June in another trade. Injuries have knocked him out of action. In 65 at-bats with the Cubs, he is hitting .231. Where does he fit if the Cubs get to the playoffs?
“Honestly, I don’t know,” Coghlan said. “You’re so focused — I know it’s cliché — but if you don’t focus on today, you’ll never get there. I’m just trying to focus on having quality …
continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com
