Craig Counsell teased Cubs starting lineup change after surprise trade deadline addition

Pitching was the focus for the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline, considering they added four new arms into the organization. Lost in the shuffle of the final move the Cubs on deadline day, a trade with the New York Mets, Jed Hoyer bolstered the bench by adding veteran outfielder Tyrone Taylor as part of the Clay Holmes trade.

There was some merit to the idea of the Cubs looking for a right-handed bat the deadline. With his speed and defense, Justin Dean had a purpose on the roster, but not one that is needed before the postseason. Dean certainly will be a candidate to sneak onto the roster in October, but considering his shortcomings a hitter, it makes sense the Cubs found an upgrade in Taylor.

Not to mention, there is some uncertainty surrounding the status of Matt Shaw. Shaw is back with the Cubs as he recovers from a wrist sprain, but the team has yet to determine what his next steps will be.

Replacing Shaw as the right-handed bat off the bench may not be the exact role that Craig Counsell has in mind for Taylor. Starting in place for Ian Happ against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday was Kevin Alcantara. Happ appeared in the game as a defensive replacement in the final innings, but the indication was that Counsell is considering a platoon situation to close out the regular season.

The Dodgers were throwing left-handed All-Star pitcher Justin Wrobleski, and Happ has struggled considerably against southpaws this season. Through 125 plate appearances against lefties this year, Happ is hitting .158 with a wRC+ of 48. Making things worse, he's striking out over 34% of the time.

Ian Happ may suddenly be in a platoon situation after the Cubs trade deadline approach

For as consistent as Happ has been throughout his career with the Cubs, he has been a liability against left-handed pitcher this season. Enter Taylor, who could suddenly be viewed as platoon partner for Happ in left field to close out the season. Taylor is hitting .301 against left-handed pitchers this season with a wRC+ of 146

The Cubs haven't shied away from difficult decisions in recent weeks. They chose production over sentiment last week when they designated Jameson Taillon for assignment, and ended their hope with Moises Ballesteros at the deadline with their willingness to include him in a deal with the Los Angeles Angels for a controllable bullpen ace.

Following that mindset, it won't be a complete surprise to see Taylor get some starts over Happ down that stretch. Especially if the matchup puts the Cubs in the best position to win that day's game.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow