Cubs’ bullpen depth, versatility paying off

SAN FRANCISCO — The Cubs’ bullpen has been relatively quiet, with the exception of “oohs and ahs” every time hard-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman hits 100 mph. Chicago’s strength this year has been the starting rotation, which compiled a Major League-leading 2.96 ERA in the regular season. In Game 2 of the National League Division Series, Chicago’s ‘pen came through in a 5-2 win over the Giants.

“Our bullpen has been ready to come in the game and they finally got a chance, and they did a good job,” Javier Baez said in advance of Game 3 on Monday at AT&T Park (8:30 p.m. CT/6:30 PT, FS1, FOX Deportes).

When Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks was struck in the fourth inning on Saturday night by a line drive off the bat of the Giants’ Angel Pagan, manager Joe Maddon needed somebody quick and called on reliever Travis Wood, who not only did the job on the mound but delivered a solo home run.

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 7   CHC 1, SF 0 Gm 2 Oct. 8   CHC 5, SF 2 Gm 3 Oct. 10 9:30 p.m. CHC @ SF FS1 *Gm 4 Oct. 11 8 or 8:30 p.m. CHC @ SF FS1 *Gm 5 Oct. 13 8 or 8:30 p.m. SF @ CHC FS1 *- If necessary | All times listed ET • Division Series start time scenarios • Giants vs. Cubs NLDS coverageShop for postseason gear: Cubs | Giants

“Of course, Woody hitting the home run was part of the plan,” Maddon said. “I did put him in there because as he was coming up second, that was part of it. I did not want to …

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