MILWAUKEE — In response to the Brewers’ decision to throw left-hander Aaron Ashby as an opener, Cubs manager Craig Counsell made one notable change to his lineup for Game 2 of the National League Division Series.
He put veteran first baseman Justin Turner in for Michael Busch at the leadoff spot.
“Essentially, this is a guy that’s tough on left-handed hitters,” Counsell said. “… This is the at bat, these are the matchups that we signed him for.”
Busch has fared well in the leadoff spot against right-handed pitchers, which may have contributed to the Brewers’ pitching plan. He punctuated an .854 OPS performance in that spot during the regular season with a leadoff homer Saturday in Game 1.
Starting Turner provided a happy medium for the Cubs. They got to roll out their usual lineup for a right-handed opposing pitcher, expecting a short outing form Ashby. And they also forced Ashby to face a pair of right-handed hitters right off the bat, with Busch ready to enter against a more favorable matchup.
“There’s nerves going into every game,” Turner said Monday evening. “If you’re not nervous, there’s probably something wrong with you or you’re lying. That’s all part of it, though. I think if you didn’t feel something, then maybe it’s time to find something else to do.”
Monday marked Turner’s first postseason appearance as a Cub, and the 87th of his career. At 40 years and 317 days old, he became the oldest player to appear in a postseason game for the Cubs, surpassing Gary Gaetti in 1998 (40 years and 45 days), according to team historian Ed Hartig.
“Justin’s kind of the godfather of playoff experience for our guys,” Counsell said. “There’s no moment that Justin Turner is not going to be prepared for and ready for.”
Turner’s fly out in the first inning was a non-factor as the teams took turns hitting three-run home runs. In the second, he was the last batter to face Ashby, lining a single into left field for a two-out singe before Brewers right-hander Nick Mears took the mound.
Chourio back
When Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio exited Game 1 of the NLDS in the second inning with a hamstring issue, after recording a hit in each of his first three at-bats, it looked like the Brewers might have to manage without him for a game or more.
On Monday, however, he was back in the leadoff spot for the Brewers, playing left field.
“It’s the mental hurdle,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said before Game 2. “I’m sure it’s not 100%. But I’m more worried about behavior than feelings. However he feels isn’t as important as how he behaves.”
Murphy added that he’d pull Chourio if the injury was bothering him and he didn’t feel like he could “do the job.”
Horton Progressing
The Cubs hope right-hander Cade Horton (fractured rib) can throw a light “touch-and-feel” session off the mound on the Cubs’ workout day Tuesday, progressing from a flat-ground ramp up.
Counsell said the Cubs have received nothing but “good news” on Horton’s condition since they put him on the 15-day IL a little over a week ago.
“Every throwing session has been pain-free and pushing it a little bit more,” Counsell said. “So we keep trying to take steps forward, and we’ll continue to do that with even more intensity tomorrow at Wrigley.”
