Garcia’s sharp defense keeping him in lineup

CHICAGO — Though Greg Garcia entered Sunday in an extended slump, the stability he offers the Cardinals at shortstop has been enough to bump him from a utility role to an everyday one this month.

Garcia drew the start at short for a fifth straight game in Sunday’s finale with the Cubs and appears to be the team’s preferred choice at the position until Aledmys Diaz returns from a broken thumb. It’s likely to be September before that happens.

“Obviously there is a high premium put on that shortstop position, and Greg has done a nice job,” manager Mike Matheny said. “I think right now he’s our best option there defensively.”

Even better than long-time shortstop Jhonny Peralta, that is, as Peralta continues to condition himself to game speed after missing much of the first four months with thumb injuries. Peralta will continue to draw the majority of his starts at third.

A Cardinals team that has been hamstrung by poor defense all season is seeking stability at key defensive positions, and Garcia has, statistically, been the best option. Of the five Cardinals to …

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