What is Chicago Cubs Plans for Canario Following Call-Up?
The Chicago Cubs have a decision to make, especially as a tough doubleheader with the Cincinnati Reds looms on Friday.
The series has serious postseason implications, not just for the Wild Card but potentially for the division.
Ahead of the matchup the Cubs promoted outfielder Alexander Canario.
The question remains: "where do you play him?"
Currently, his options would be to unseat Ian Happ or Seiya Suzuki for a game. That's not something you want to do right now, even given current performances.
Both Happ and Suzuki have the talent and ability to be massive deciding factors in a game, much less a series against a divisional rival.
In the last seven days Happ and Suzuki have posted and OPS of 1.206 and .860, respectively. Both are hot, especially Happ. Placing an unproven prospect like Canario into the mix in a pivotal game of an even more important series wouldn't be wise, if it meant sitting one of the duo mentioned above.
However, a stint at designated hitter for Canario isn't out of the question. The outfielder has posted an .866 OPS in 36 games at the Triple-A level this season, so the bat is there.
Giving him a chance, at least in one game, to start at DH could provide a nice boost to the lineup. It would also help instill confidence in the prospect as he makes his way to the Major League level.
Of course that would mean less at-bats for Christopher Morel, but it would give Chicago an opportunity to see what they are working with as they enter the stretch race here in September.
Either way, it will be interesting to keep note on how the Cubs manage their lineup during the series with the Reds.
