Cubs SS Starlin Castro says winning matters more than demotion

CHICAGO -- It took Starlin Castro a night of reflection before accepting his new role as a potential backup for the Chicago Cubs.

"I feel a little frustrated, especially yesterday [Friday] when they told me I'm not going to play, [until] I don't know when," Castro said Saturday morning. "In the beginning I take it real personal but after that I think about it, you can't put those guys on the bench. I understand. I thought about it last night, all night, whatever I can do for the team."

The three-time All-Star spoke publicly for the first time since being told by manager Joe Maddon he's no longer going to be the everyday shortstop. It doesn't mean he won't start again, but right now he's behind others in the lineup who are hitting better, including four Cubs rookies.

"Those guys are on a hot streak," Castro said. "Whatever they want you to do for the team you have to do."

Castro is hitting .236 with a .271 on-base percentage and an OPS of just .575. Because of Chris Coghlan's ability to play multiple positions Maddon could sit any number of players but chose Castro as he's been in a prolonged slump.

"I would be frustrated too, from his side," Maddon said. "We were very honest about it. Because of that he was able to deal with it."

Maddon didn't deny there have been internal conversations about Castro possibly working at other positions, but the Cubs aren't there yet.

"We're definitely talking about the different items we want to attach," Maddon said. "We haven't had that conversation with him yet."

Addison Russell will play shortstop -- his natural position -- unless there's an injury, a slump elsewhere or Maddon changes his mind. Russell made two stellar plays on Friday at shortstop and is starting there again on Saturday. There's a feeling around the Cubs he may never relinquish the position.

"I don't anticipate a regular routine of alternating but I want to get Starlin back to where he had been," Maddon said.

Castro claims he's trying not to think about his future on the team beyond this year. After several rumors surfaced about the organization trying to trade him last month his days on the team could be numbered.

"We're here to win," he said. "Whatever I can do for the team.

"I'll never put my head down. I know the talent I have. I know the player that I am. Just keep working."