Chicago Cubs: Why are we not talking more about David Bote?

Chicago Cubs: Getting hot at the right time

In August, though, he turned it up a notch – well, several notches, really, hitting .435/.594/.565 in 32 plate appearances. He’s continued that early in September – but the return of Ben Zobrist has made it harder for Joe Maddon to find consistent reps for Bote.

With Javier Baez and Addison Russell both sidelined currently, one might think Bote would see more action – and he might, but it’s near-impossible to envision a scenario where he plays every day. Zobrist will be in there pretty much daily for the rest of the year, likely receiving most of the reps at second base.

The team promoted highly-touted infield prospect Nico Hoerner on Monday – and he’s expected to hold down shortstop in the absence of Baez and Russell. The biggest wild card for Bote and his playing time has to be third baseman Kris Bryant, who continues to battle through a lingering knee issue.

Battle is putting a very positive spin on what Bryant’s been doing on the field. It’s like hopping into a time machine and cranking it to last summer, when the former MVP played through a shoulder injury, looking like a hollow shell of his former self. Different year, same story.