10 bench players who will play integral roles in MLB playoffs

Chicago Cubs (90-65): Starlin Castro, Infield

Sep 21, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) hits a single during the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

With the stellar rookie season of Addison Russell, Castro has been platooning in the middle infield for the Cubs the second half of the season. To date, Castro is batting .264 and smacked 20 doubles. While Chicago clinched a playoff birth for the first time since 2008, the club realizes it will take its entire roster to advance past the wild card play-in game.

Manager Joe Maddon is notrious for his non-traditional coaching techniques, like batting the pitcher in the eight hole and making defensive changes early in games. With that being said, if Russell and second baseman Tommy La Stella don’t produce, look for Castro to be inserted into the starting lineup or pinch hit late in games.

By Eddie Ravert

Chicago implant by way of Philadelphia. Former college baseball player and radio DJ. High school debate team champion. Passionate ... More about Eddie Ravert