Maddon entertains options as Cubs face Braves

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have relied on productive Septembers in each of their last two deep postseason runs -- including in 2016, when their autumn success led to a World Series title.

Now, as the Cubs eye another title march, making the most of September will again be critical. But with so much at stake, this month is when manager Joe Maddon will do everything in his power to keep his team healthy and perhaps even more important, rested.

With the Cubs (74-60) in the midst of a 20-game stretch in 20 days -- including Saturday's contest against the Atlanta Braves (59-74) -- Maddon is keenly aware the necessity to build for what's still ahead. Maddon isn't afraid to cut back on his team taking batting practice or giving key players a day off or permitting players to arrive late to the ballpark.

"All that matters," Maddon said on Friday before the Cubs extended their winning streak to five games with a 2-0 victory over the Braves. "I know it's about work and I believe in hard work ... however, you've got to work smart, too. I don't think it's any more complicated than that. It's (about) backing off at the right time and then applying (previous work)."

Maddon has been careful to be cautious with injuries, including with left-handed starter Jon Lester, who will be activated from the 10-day disabled list on Saturday. Lester will then start against the Braves after being sidelined with left shoulder soreness and left lat tightness.

Lester (8-7) will be an important part of any postseason hopes the Cubs may have. That's why Maddon took the approach with the veteran pitcher than he did like he did earlier this season with fellow starter Kyle Hendricks.

"You never want injuries, but it's a long year," Maddon said. "When you get to this time of the year and all of a sudden, when everyone is well and healthy and somewhat healthy, you anticipate good (things happening)."

Lester is 5-2 against the Braves in eight career starts and recorded a victory in his only appearance against Atlanta this season.

As the Cubs continue to surge, the Braves have scuffled of late, having lost six of their last nine games following Friday's setback when the offense couldn't mount much against starter John Lackey as the Braves were shut out for the ninth time this season.

Lucas Sims (2-4) will start for Atlanta, having lost four of his last six starts. The rookie will be facing the Cubs for the first time in his career. Sims is part of a youth movement that makes up the Braves' current makeup.

In Friday's loss, third baseman Rio Ruiz had two of Atlanta's four hits after he was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett following the trade of Brandon Phillips. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves are expected to activate infielder Johan Camargo, former starting third baseman Adonis Garcia and utility man Danny Santana from the disabled list Monday. Camargo and Garcia may see much of the time at third base, but at least for the remainder of the weekend in Chicago, Ruiz should get plenty of chances.

He made the most of them Friday when he had the two hits, which weren't enough to stop the surging Cubs.

"(It) definitely felt good to get some knocks the first game back," Ruiz said after Friday's loss.

"Definitely would have felt better if we'd have come away with a W, but that wasn't the case. "(We'll) just come back tomorrow and try to score some runs and get a W."