Sim game productive fun for Cubs ahead of NLDS

CHICAGO — Dexter Fowler wore a Miami Dolphins helmet instead of a batting helmet. Jorge Soler got seven at-bats, including one in five straight “innings.” Cubs manager Joe Maddon and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein spent some time in the bullpen. And at the end of the game, strength and conditioning coach Tim Buss was in left field, assistant hitting coach Eric Hinske in right and special assistant Franklin Font in center.

“We were trying to replicate the intensity of the postseason,” Epstein said. “I’m not sure we accomplished that. I sat in the bullpen for a couple innings. That was a blast.”

The Cubs, who don’t open the postseason until Friday with Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Wild Card Game winner (FS1, 8:15 p.m. CT), played a simulated contest on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. They had two priorities: keep everyone healthy and give some of the pitchers a chance to throw. Jake Arrieta, John Lackey, Jason Hammel, Mike Montgomery, Justin Grimm, Pedro Strop, Carl Edwards Jr., Hector Rondon and Aroldis Chapman all pitched, facing their teammates.

Game Date Time Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 7 9 p.m WC @ CHC FS1 Gm 2 Oct. 8 8 p.m. WC @ CHC MLBN Gm 3 Oct. 10 TBD CHC @ WC FS1 / MLBN *Gm 4 Oct. 11 TBD CHC @ WC FS1 *Gm 5 Oct. 13 TBD WC @ CHC FS1 *- If necessary | All times listed ETShop for postseason gear: Cubs • Complete Postseason coverage

There was plenty of good-natured razzing. Veteran catcher David Ross saw Epstein, general manager Jed Hoyer and some of the other front office staff sitting behind home plate.

“You guys make me nervous,” Ross said.

“[We’ll give you] a qualifying offer if you go deep,” Epstein responded.

Ross didn’t, but there may …

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