Starlin Castro frustrated but understands benching

Starlin Castro is frustrated with his position. He also understands it and wants what’s best for the Cubs.

Castro sat for the second straight day, watching the Cubs’ 8-6 win over the San Francisco Giants. Kyle Schwarber remained in left field, Chris Coghlan started at second base and Addison Russell stayed at shortstop, meaning there was no room for Castro.

“I feel a little frustrated especially yesterday when they tell me I’m not going to play for I don’t know when. In the beginning I take it like really personal but after that I think about it and you can’t put those guys on the bench,” Castro said. “They’re really hot right now and I understand, and that’s why I (thought) about it last night all night. Whatever they can do for the team.”

At least for now and maybe longer, the best thing is Castro coming off the bench. He’s only got a .271 on-base percentage, slugging .304 and according to Baseball Reference’s version of the statistic is at -0.6 wins above replacement.

He’ll have to get himself righted from a place he’s not used to, but Castro still believes in himself.

“I never put my head down. I know the talent that I got,” Castro said. “I know the player that I am, and just keep working, keep doing my routine like the same thing I do when I play every day.”

Joe Maddon said a discussion with Castro about playing other positions hasn’t come up. Castro said he’s open to a switch but he’d want to talk about it with Cubs brass.

But at this point, Castro has to be ready to play when he’s called on… whenever that is.

“He was up to pinch-hit twice (Friday) and could have stayed in the game,” Maddon said. “There’s a bunch of different scenarios. He was ready to play (Friday). I thought that was great. You could see him at any point.”

That point wasn’t Saturday and it won’t be to begin Sunday. Maddon said Russell will start again at shortstop.

“Just coming to the clubhouse I really don’t know where I’m going to play,” Russell said. “I’ve just got to make sure that I’m ready and prepared. I just do my best to get my body ready for the game.”

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