I would like to think that Christopher Morel would be starting on a semi or nearly every-day basis around the diamond with the Chicago Cubs even without the recent injury to Nico Hoerner, but then I remember what David Ross said when Morel was called up earlier this week.

Unlike left-handed hitting first baseman Matt Mervis, who Ross said would be starting regularly, the manager addressed Morel's playing time after he was added to the team's roster on Monday and essentially said it would be difficult to find consistent playing time for the 23-year-old.

Now, to be fair, Patrick Wisdom has been the team's best power hitter this season, while Nick Madrigal has been a solid defender at the hot corner. All three outfield spots are set, as well. However, if you're a good manager, you find a way to get Morel's bat in the lineup as much as you can. I mean, there's the DH spot and who's to say the outfielders wouldn't benefit from a day off once a week. You can and should be able to find playing time for a guy like Morel.

I hate that Hoerner is going to miss some time here, as he was placed on the 10-day injured list prior to Friday night's series opener against the Minnesota Twins. However, at least his absence opens a clear path for Christopher Morel to do stuff like this.

That is 429 feet to the upper deck in right-center field off the bat of Morel, his second home run in three games and his third extra-base hit. Just for comparison, Madrigal has four extra-base hits in 75 plate appearances this season and his last home run came in 2021, when he was still a member of the Chicago White Sox.

But I'll repeat it again, when Hoerner returns, Ross better not treat Morel just like any other bench player. He can play all over the field and he can do stuff at the plate that others on the team simply cannot.

Morel is 6-for-13, with 2 HR, 5 RBI and 2 runs scored in three games.

Meanwhile, Mervis broke his cold streak with a game-tying double off the center field wall in the seventh inning.

Good to see the rookie come through in a big spot.

Starting Pitching Keeps Dominating

Left-handed starter Drew Smyly had a tough outing last time out, as he struggled to command his pitches against the Miami Marlins last Saturday. He only lasted 3.1 innings, but he rebounded on Friday against the Twins, notching another quality start.

It's a crime that Smyly was charged with two earned runs because in the second inning, the leadoff hitter reached after Morel couldn't recover in time to get off a good throw to first base and then a throw to home from Wisdom was off target, which allowed the first run to score. The second came across on a sac-fly to center.

Regardless, Smyly was dazzling, allowing just four hits in six innings.

The 33-year-old has a 3.05 ERA through his first eight starts of the season.