SAN FRANCISCO — Rolling the dice on a big bat against Giants ace Madison Bumgarner, Cubs manager Joe Maddon played craps with his outfield defense for Game 3 of the National League Division Series Monday.
Gold Glove right-fielder Jason Heyward, the $184 million free agent who has slumped at the plate most of the season, is on the bench Monday as Maddon opts for right-handed slugger Jorge Soler against the lefty Bumgarner.
Ben Zobrist, who had played left field in the Cubs’ Game 1 and Game 2 victories, moves to right for Game 3, with the glove-challenged Soler in left.
Maddon chose battery comfort over hitting matchup behind the plate, pairing veteran catcher Miguel Montero with pitcher Jake Arrieta.
Montero is the Cubs’ third different starting catcher in as many games in the NLDS.
The lineup:
- CF Dexter Fowler
- 3B Kris Bryant
- 1B Anthony Rizzo
- LF Jorge Soler
- RF Ben Zobrist
- SS Addison Russell
- 2B Javy Baez
- C Miguel Montero
- RHP Jake Arrieta
