Cubs’ defensive versatility allows Joe Maddon to stretch his bench

The 13th pitcher or last position player to earn a spot on the Cubs roster can thank Kris Bryant, Ben Zobrist and Javier Baez.

Their versatility provides manager Joe Maddon the luxury of resting a fatigued or injured player with the security of knowing his replacement brings no defensive drop-off.

“The super utility guy expands everything,” Maddon said. “It makes your bench longer.”

The versatility also allows Maddon to make mid- or late-inning changes without requiring a specialist, although he does like having a left-handed pinch hitter.

For now, it appears the Cubs’ season record for pinch hits, shared by left-handed hitters Thad Bosley (1985) and Dave Clark (1997), is safe.

“Teams are placing more of a premium on versatility,” said Zobrist, who appeared at five positions last season. “As the game evolves, there are fewer and fewer bench guys. They’re going to get a spot start during the week or come in the fifth or sixth inning, especially in the National League. It’s a different game than it was 10 years ago.”

Zobrist acknowledged this season will be different with the return of Kyle Schwarber to left field. But the Cubs might have more late-inning flexibility while giving Maddon more incentive to rest his veterans.

“If you want to be a complete team, you’re going to need a couple of versatile players,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “Maybe I’m traditional in that thought. I know there are new normals that go along with that thought, and you’ve got to be able to play the middle of the diamond comfortably and complement your team in any way, shape or form.

“Now if you’re talking about a player who can play a couple different positions like Bryant, and he ends up winning the MVP award, it’s got to be the right guy, the right character, the right desire to do that. And then the team has to have that particular need.”

Giants manager Bruce Bochy prefers versatility over specialization, which came in handy when the Giants acquired infielder Eduardo Nunez from the Twins last season. When Bochy managed the Padres to the 1998 World Series, Jim Leyritz played first base, third base, left field and catcher.

“It’s critical for a team if you can keep that versatility,” Bochy said. “You see what Zobrist does to the Cubs. It allows you to be creative as a manager. You can run short if you can give a guy a day or two off.”

Bochy occasionally plays first baseman Brandon Belt in the outfield to expand his options.

“If I keep an infielder on the bench, I want him to play the outfield,” Bochy said. “It makes life easier.”

Maddon hasn’t fretted over playing time for Baez, who started all 17 postseason games at second base with Zobrist in left. With Schwarber recovered from a knee injury, Zobrist will return to second and Baez to the bench, coming off to provide defense at second, third and shortstop.

The likeliest scenario is Baez taking over at second when Zobrist replaces Schwarber in left for late-inning defensive purposes.

Like Zobrist, Baez played five positions last year, while Bryant played six.

“The industry is valuing quality defensive versatility and not just being able to stand at a position,” said Brewers manager Craig Counsell, a former infielder who played until he was 40 because of his versatility. “We know what’s important, and it helps to win games. If you can put a guy out there on a certain day that covers you at a bunch of positions, a lot of times it allows you to carry that bat, and just that bat.

“And it allows you to protect matchups because you can move pieces around. It allows you to rest, recover from injuries. It gives managers more choices of how to put the puzzle together, and it helps general managers recognize that’s what managers want.”

mgonzales@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @MDGonzales