Three’s company: Cubs stick with catcher trio

CHICAGO — If manager Joe Maddon’s regular-season tendencies are a harbinger for his October plans, get ready for a carousel of catchers for the Cubs this postseason.

It’s been 14 years since a club last utilized three catchers in a postseason series. But given the way Maddon used his backstops en route to a 103-win season, this National League Division Series against San Francisco (Game 1 on Friday at 9 p.m. ET/8 CT, FS1) sets up for the Cubs to join that rare company.

Miguel Montero has been a part of Chicago’s backstop mix since signing a lucrative five-year contract before the 2013 season. David Ross came in as Jon Lester’s personal catcher. And Willson Contreras, who was summoned from Triple-A in mid-June, is the rising star.

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

Together, the three guided Chicago’s pitching staff to the Majors’ lowest ERA (3.15) and supplied above-average offensive production from the position. The Cubs’ catchers ranked among the Majors’ top five in OPS (.756), on-base percentage (.339), home runs (29) …

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