Chicago Cubs

Jason Heyward will be the Cubs' highest-paid benchwarmer again in Game 2

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:38 p.m. ET

Chris Bahr

Jason Heyward will be riding the pine for the third consecutive playoff game when the Cubs face the Indians in Game 2 of the World Series tonight.

Earlier this postseason, the left-handed-hitting Heyward was benched when Chicago was facing a tough left-handed starter, but the slumping right fielder didn’t face Indians righty Corey Kluber in Game 1 of the World Series ... and now won’t face righty Trevor Bauer in Game 2.

Heyward obviously isn’t thrilled, but he is saying the right things – before Game 1 anyway.

“You’ve always got to be a professional,” Heyward told the Chicago Sun-Times, “and root your teammates on, understand you don’t make the lineup, and do what you can whenever you get the chance to do it.

“As far as switching roles now at this point in the year, it’s tough to do,” he added. “There’s no excuse or anything, but it’s tough to come in and push a button when you’re used to being out there every day and already having some kind of feel for the series and how they’re pitching you or whatever.”

This clearly isn’t what the Cubs had in mind when they inked Heyward to an eight-year, $184 million deal in free agency this past offseason. As forgettable as his regular season was, Heyward has hit rock bottom this postseason. In 28 at-bats, he has two hits, eight strikeouts, one walk and one RBI.

Jorge Soler, Chris Coghlan and rookie Albert Almora all have started in place of Heyward this postseason. Incredibly, it’s gotten to the point that the Cubs can’t even justify starting Heyward for his defense.