3 Cubs players who've gone cold at the absolute worst time

3 Cubs players who've gone cold at the absolute worst time - #2: Mike Tauchman

To whatever end, Ross is all-in on the guys who've gotten the Cubs to this point - and that includes outfielder Mike Tauchman who was a feel-good story for much of the summer, but whose production has fallen off a cliff not only in the past week, but for some time now.

Over the last 28 days, the 32-year-old Illinois native is slashing just .186/.329/.214. But you'd never know it based on how the Cubs manager has continued to lean on him. Tauchman should be thanking his lucky stars top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong has struggled at the plate since being promoted because it's given Ross the cover to keep penciling him into the lineup card.

I'm not saying Tauchman hasn't played a key role for Chicago this summer becuase he undoubtedly has. He's capable of grinding out lengthy at-bats, especially in big moments and has been a pleasant surprise for the team. But it's hard to see the value he's bringing to the team of late - the only reason he's still in there is because he's a known commodity for the coaching staff.