July 03--Slow and steady wins the race, at least in the mind of Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon.
Adhering to his philosophy that key everyday position players should have a day off occasionally from the starting lineup, Maddon extended that privilege to shortstop Starlin Castro Friday. Rookie Addison Russell started at short as the Cubs open a three-game weekend series against the Miami Marlins at Wrlgley Field.
"It's really helpful down the road," Maddon said of the day of rest. Jonathan Herrera started at second base.
Maddon gave third baseman Kris Bryant the day off Thursday against the Mets. Maddon said he is not eager to give first baseman Anthony Rizzo a day of rest.
"When it comes to first basemen I am not as concerned, normally," he said.
The Cubs are coming off a 3-3 road trip to St. Louis and New York. They wrapped up a perfect 7-0 season series against the Mets. It marked the fourth time in franchise history the Cubs have swept a season series of at least five games, according to baseball historian Ed Hartig. They also did it against Cincinnati in 1876 (10-0), Buffalo in 1885 (16-0) and Atlanta in 2008 (6-0).
Jason Hammel (5-3, 2.92) as the starting assignment for the Cubs Friday against the Marlins' Tom Koehler (6-4, 3.66).
The Cubs (42-35) enter Friday's game on pace to win 88 games.
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