Cubs’ 10 year veteran losing playing time following Tyrone Taylor addition

Over the last two games, the Chicago Cubs have faced a pair of southpaws in the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation. First, they drew Justin Wrobleski, who saw his ERA jump from 2.88 to 3.31 after the Cubs tagged him with seven earned runs and four home runs allowed. Then, prized trade deadline addition Tarik Skubal took the mound, allowing two earned runs over six innings pitched, but Chicago got the last laugh by a second consecutive game against the National League powerhouse.

That said, missing from the starting lineup in both of those contests was outfielder Ian Happ. The 10 year veteran has had a down year in the batting average department, sitting at just .215 as of August 4, but has maintained a respectable .328 on-base percentage, .413 slugging percentage, and a 105 OPS+ with 18 home runs on the season.

Happ, a switch hitter, owns a career .233/.308/.383 line against southpaws, numbers that are noticeably different compared to when he swings from the other side of the plate. This year, however, those averages are down a lot more than normal, coming in at just .158/232/.298 with just eight extra base hits all year in those situations.

Those numbers are one of the reasons why Jed Hoyer targeted a right-handed-hitting outfielder at the trade deadline. The Cubs filled that role by acquiring Tyrone Taylor, reuniting him with manager Craig Counsell. Furthermore, the club has officially announced that Happ will cede playing time against left-handed pitching for the remainder of the season, with Taylor expected to take on a larger role in those matchups.

Ian Happ will platoon for the Chicago Cubs the remainder of the season

During an appearance on The Score Chicago’s Spiegel and Holmes afternoon show, Counsell discussed the acquisition of Taylor and how it will affect the Cubs’ lineup moving forward. Counsell indicated that Happ will see significantly less playing time against left-handed pitching for the remainder of the season.

The primary reason for the change is Taylor’s production against left-handed pitching. The right-handed hitter is slashing .289/.299/.566 against southpaws this season, giving the Cubs a legitimate platoon option in left field. That doesn’t mean Happ’s role will disappear, however. He is still expected to enter games later, depending on the matchup, once the opposing starter has exited and the bullpen takes over.

While it may be an adjustment for Happ, the move reflects the Cubs’ commitment to putting the best possible lineup on the field as the end of the season draws near and every matchup carries extra weight.

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