Despite the strong contributions from Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, Cubs manager Joe Maddon would like to tap their brakes heading into the season's final six weeks.
"I still want to look for moments to give them a break," Maddon said Thursday after Bryant went 5-for-5 with two home runs and Rizzo hit two doubles in a 9-6 win over the Brewers.
Bryant and Rizzo each have played in 117 of the Cubs' 120 games, and a 13-game lead could entice Maddon to give his two top sluggers more rest before the team clinches a National League playoff berth.
Matt Szczur started in place of leadoff batter Dexter Fowler and went 2-for-4 with two runs, and Javier Baez added two hits and a run to help a 14-hit attack. Baez is 8-for-19 (.421) in his last seven games.
Struggling right fielder Jason Heyward didn't start against right-hander Zach Davies, but Maddon reinforced his faith in Heyward and his .225 batting average.
"It's difficult, but our record is pretty good and he's been on the field for most of those games," Maddon said. "He's a winner, an absolute winner."
