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Chicago Cubs: John Lackey makes NLDS roster, Hector Rondon does not
Chicago Cubs Postseason: Hector Rondon left off NLDS roster
In perhaps another puzzling move, Hector Rondon was left off the NLDS roster. Rondon turned in a disappointing 2017 campaign. The right-hander posted a 4.24 ERA with 69 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings pitched. While that high strikeout rate is good, Rondon set a career high with 10 home runs allowed this season. In addition to that, Rondon logged a 1.22 WHIP and allowed 7.8 hits per nine innings, the second-highest mark of his career.
Rondon’s spot on the roster no doubt went to Lackey who, as stated above, can give the Cubs multiple innings out of the bullpen and offers an immense amount of postseason experience.
Other notable names on the roster
Chicago Cubs
Newly acquired players Justin Wilson, Alex Avila and Leonys Martin were included on the roster. Wilson posted a 2.68 ERA in 40 1/3 innings pitched prior to joining the Cubs at the trade deadline. Since coming to the North Side, the 30-year-old left-hander has a 5.09 ERA and has walked 19 batters in 17 2/3 innings pitched.
Wilson will join fellow left-handers Mike Montgomery and Brian Duensing in the bullpen.
Alex Avila was acquired in the same trade that sent Wilson to Chicago. In 35 games since joining the Cubs from Detroit, Avila slashed .239/.369/.380 with three home runs and 17 RBI.
In addition to posting a solid OBP in Chicago and for the entire 2017 season (.387), Avila has a good amount of postseason experience. Avila has appeared in 34 postseason games and slashed .145/.230/.245 with three home runs and seven RBI. Even though Avila has not found much success in the postseason, he will provide depth to the catcher’s position just in case something happens to Willson Contreras. Let us not forget what our back-up catcher did last postseason.
Outfield depth
On the last day of August, the Cubs acquired Leonys Martin from the Seattle Mariners. Martin brings two things to the Cubs that could prove to be very valuable this series. Over his seven-year career, Martin has stolen 115 bases, including 24 in 2016. In addition to that, Martin has proven that he can play solid defense. In more than 4,700 innings in the outfield, Martin has saved 48 runs defensively. Most of those came playing center field (45) which has been Martin’s primary position during his career.