Chicago Cubs: Jorge Soler will start in Game 3 of NLDS vs Cardinals

And the award for the Cubs most consistent hitter in the postseason so far goes to…Jorge Soler?

Believe it or not, Soler has been the best hitter through the team’s first three playoff games, even though he has only started in one and appeared in two.

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In two games, he is hitting 1.000 and has gone 2-for-2 with a double, a home run, and three walks. The two-run home run came in Game 2 and put the team up 5-1 on St. Louis during a huge five-run second inning.

With all of that being said, Jorge Soler deserved the nod to start Game 3 in right field Monday evening at Wrigley Field.

Coming into 2015, Soler was supposed to be one of the Cubs rookies that carried them offensively. Known for his ability to hit the long ball (he had five in 24 games in September 2014), Soler only hit 10 during the 2015 season.

However, this power outage largely had to do with two extended trips to the disabled list that caused him to play in only 101 games.

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In addition to injuries, the Cubs depth also played a part in Soler not playing in more contests. Chicago has Kyle Schwarber, Chris Coghlan, Dexter Fowler, Austin Jackson, Chris Denorfia, and even Kris Bryant available to play outfield.

As seen in the Wild Card Game, Soler and Coghlan did not start, two players who were expected to take the majority of the playing time in the outfield in 2015.

Clearly, things do not always happen according to plan.

Now, for those who weren’t all that convinced with his strong postseason start, here’s a look at his track record against Cardinals starter Michael Wacha. In five at-bats, he has hit .400 of Wacha with a home run and one RBI, with the home run coming on September 15th.

While this is, in fact, a small sample size, it is clear Soler has seen Wacha well up to this point. Schwarber, on the other hand, has never faced Wacha until later on this evening.

But he offers Joe Maddon a bit more pop in his bat when in the batter’s box which is why he’s starting in left field over Chris Coghlan.

Next: Cubs: The resurgence of Trevor Cahill