CHICAGO (AP) Carlos Santana will grab his outfielder’s glove for Game 3 of the World Series. He may want ear plugs, too.
Cleveland’s designated hitter, who has played catcher, third and first base in his career, will start in left at Wrigley Field for the Indians on Friday night, a risky move manager Terry Francona was forced to make in order to keep the switch-hitting slugger in the lineup.
Santana has only played four innings in left in his seven seasons with Cleveland, and that was back in 2012. With the Indians unable to use the DH during three games in the National League ballpark, Francona was in a bind and decided go with Santana despite his inexperience in the outfield. The Indians are confident he’s athletic enough, but Santana will also have to deal with nerves, winds blowing toward left and Chicago’s Bleacher Bums who are certain to comment about his every move.
Francona is nervous about the decision, but said he’ll take the blame if Santana, who is batting leadoff, fails to make any plays.
The Cubs have their own issues in left.
Slugger Kyle Schwarber wasn’t medically cleared to play in the field after coming off knee surgery, so Chicago manager Joe Maddon can only use him as a pinch-hitter.
Despite missing six months, Schwarber had no rustiness in his sweet swing as he went 3 for 7 with two walks and two RBIs in Games 1 and 2, providing some needed punch for Chicago after Maddon benched struggling right fielder Jason Heyward.
Jorge Soler will start in right in Game 3 for Chicago with Ben Zobrist in left.
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