Oct. 09--Manager Joe Maddon doesn't anticipate any significant changes when the Cubs release their National League Division Series roster Friday morning, but the announcement of Kyle Hendricks as the Game 2 starter over veteran Jason Hammel ranks as a minor surprise.
"(He) has been very sharp, Maddon said Thursday of Hendricks, who pitched 12 consecutive scoreless innings over his last two starts. "The fact he could put the ball on the ground matters a lot, too, and keeping the ball out of the air."
Hammel will be available in relief for the first two games. If Hammel doesn't pitch in either of those, it's likely he will start Game 4, if necessary.
Jake Arrieta, as expected, will start Game 3 at Wrigley Field.
Pedro puzzled: The NLDS marks a chance for Pedro Strop to overcome past struggles at Busch Stadium, where he has allowed seven runs in five appearances covering only two innings.
"I don't have anything specific," Strop said. "It could be just a coincidence. When I struggle, most of the time it has been here. I'm not thinking about it."
Strop is one of the more emotional Cubs players but knows there's a balance in the postseason.
"You have to be able to control the moment, the excitement, because you do get more excited," Strop said. "You have to know how to use it to your advantage instead of rushing everything.
Pitching inside: One day after Arrieta was hit intentionally by a pitch that caused both benches to empty, Cardinals Game 1 starter John Lackey stressed he would continue to pitch inside.
"I think everybody, even on their side, knows I'm not going to back off coming inside," Lackey said. "I think I have enough of a reputation. They know what time it is."
Extra innings: Shortstop Addison Russell said his left hand feels fine after jamming it on a slide into second base Wednesday. ... As the minor-league coordinator for the Angels in the 1980s, Maddon said he once had a Weimaraner dog race speedy outfielder Devon White. "The dog did win," Maddon said.
