Chicago Cubs News: September promotions, Mike Tauchman, and more

Chicago Cubs September Call-Ups

With the month of September two weeks away, there has been a focus on the two players will be that the Chicago Cubs will promote to the Major League level when the rosters expand. The Major League rosters will expand from 26 players to 28 players and the speculation has started in regard to the two players that the team will call up.

On the pitching side, all eyes are on pitching prospect Ben Brown. Brown is currently on the IL but the belief is that the injury would not prevent him from appearing with the Major League team in September. The idea for the Cubs would be they could use Brown out of the bullpen, a path that many prominent starting pitching prospects have taken when making their Major League debut side.

On the position player side, there has been an increase in speculation that Pete Crow-Armstrong may get a look at the Major League level. Crow-Armstrong is believed to already have the capability of playing Gold Glove-caliber defense at the Major League level and has the speed that he could be a pinch runner late in games. Depending on the offensive performances of Nick Madrigal and Seiya Suzuki, there may also be value in having Crow-Armstrong play against right-handed pitching.

Mike Tauchman's value as the Chicago Cubs leadoff hitter

Chicago Cubs outfielder Mike Tauchman has often been viewed as the catalyst for the team's offense and the proof is in the team's record when Tauchman is the leadoff hitter.

For the Cubs, the plan moving forward should be to leave Tauchman in the leadoff spot until the other shoe drops. Tauchman has remained a valuable asset at the top of the Cubs' lineup and that shouldn't change as the chases a post-season spot.

Nick Madrigal slumping offensively

Chicago Cubs third baseman Nick Madrigal appears to have regressed to the offensive inconsistencies that have plagued him throughout his time with the Cubs.

Since returning from the IL on July 29, Madrigal is slashing .225/.295/.275 with a wRC+ of 61. A dramatic decline from the .328/.409/.466 line that Madrigal had with the Major League team from June 9 through July 3.

If Madrigal's offensive struggles continue, it may not be out of the question that Jeimer Candelario shifts back to his natural position at third base and Cody Bellinger moves to first base with Mike Tauchman playing in center field.

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