Chicago Cubs: 3 players who need to step up in Contreras’ absence

3. Victor Caratini is batting just 0.182 in the second half and will get most of the starts over this next month.

Victor Caratini is going to get the most starts while Willson Contreras is out and will try to keep the Chicago Cubs division lead alive and well. Sure the team can claim Jonathan Lucroy off waivers, who was recently designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels but who knows how he’ll perform considering he just recently returned from a concussion.

Caratini is another guy that has not performed well in the second half. He batted 0.295 in the first half of the season and provided a nice option for the Cubs off the bench but he’s batted just 0.182 in the second half of the season.

He’s been terrible in high leverage situations this season, batting just 0.143. The Cubs are going to need Caratini, out of everyone, to step up and make the most impact to keep the team’s playoff hopes alive. Obviously it’s not a good situation to be in with one of your best hitters out for a month, but that’s why it’s so important to have a deep bench.

In recent years, the Cubs bench has been a strength but they really took a hit when they traded away Tommy La Stella in the offseason. The signing of Daniel Descalso just has not worked out and if not for an injured list stint, I am not sure he is still on this roster.

The Cubs backup catcher for the time being looks to be Taylor Davis and he will be remembered so far for his grand slam against the Cardinals earlier in the season. He will likely get one start per week but the Cubs absolutely need Caratini to take a big step forward.