MILWAUKEE _ Victor Caratini might not be on the Cubs' roster if they acquire an experienced backup catcher by Monday's 3 p.m. non-waiver trade deadline.
Justin Grimm and Hector Rondon could have their workloads trimmed if the Cubs add a late-inning reliever.
But Sunday's 4-2 victory over the Brewers was treasured by manager Joe Maddon and players for the all-around efforts by that threesome that helped the Cubs (56-48) extend their lead in the National League Central to 2 { games with plenty of momentum heading into the final two months of the season.
"It's outstanding to watch this group come together as a group," Maddon said after the Cubs improved to 13-3 since the All-Star break.
The Cubs can feel even better if they can upgrade the backup catching and bullpen as they try to shore up their second consecutive division title and fortify their roster in the event they reach the postseason.
After Sunday's victory, Maddon said he spoke to front office executives but had no news to report.
"I think whoever they bring in, if they do, it definitely will provide some more energy," said Kris Bryant, adding that morale soared with the acquisition of Jose Quintana 2 { weeks ago.
"We're confident with what we have, and we're confident in the front office," Anthony Rizzo added. "If they're going to do something, it's going to help us."
Remaining backup catchers believed to be available include A.J. Ellis of the Marlins and Rene Rivera of the Mets. A low-cost consideration is Tim Federowicz, who played 17 games for the Cubs last year, is familiar with most of the pitching staff and is batting .289 at Triple-A Sacramento in the Giants organization.
Caratini, 23, who took the place of departed Miguel Montero, looked polished as he hit his first major-league home run _ a tiebreaking shot in the seventh _ and played flawlessly in his first start at first base.
"I'm going to keep going about my business and do what I can to stay there," Caratini said. "It's out of my control what they're thinking."
Rizzo likes Caratini's willingness to learn without being too vocal.
"He's been nice for us and has learned a lot fast," Rizzo said.
Grimm and Rondon retired all six batters they faced in the seventh and eighth, as Maddon preferred to stay away from using Carl Edwards Jr., Pedro Strop and Koji Uehara because of their recent workloads.
Rondon hasn't allowed a run in 10 of his past 11 outings. Nevertheless, the Cubs could spend more on acquiring a reliever than a backup catcher due to the importance of the late-inning duties.
But the stabilizer to the Cubs' success has been their starting pitching, as John Lackey pitched effectively enough to not tax the bullpen. The Cubs could make a late-hour push toward one of the remaining marquee starters, although the quality of their minor-league talent was strapped when they traded top prospects Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease to acquire Quintana from the White Sox.
"We always knew there was talent," Lackey said of the Cubs' second-half run. "It's a matter of guys feeling good and playing baseball together. I think we've done a good job of that."
