Cubs Notes: Chris Coghlan Charges Comeback

Chris Coghlan had himself a game on Saturday. The left-handed outfielder went 4-for-4 with two home runs, a walk, three RBI and three runs scored to help the Cubs win 8-7 over the Dodgers.

Chicago was down 7-2 in the seventh inning. The Cubs hadn’t won a game after trailing by more than five runs since 2012.

Coghlan was signed by the Cubs to a minor league deal at the beginning of the season. It’s looking like an outstanding move to this point. He is now hitting .283/.349/.449. He doesn’t play great defense, but I would feel good about him being in the Cubs’ outfield mix next season.

Saturday’s game did not get off to a great start when Cubs pitcher Felix Doubront only made it 2.1 innings, giving up six runs. It was Doubront’s first rough outing for the Cubs since coming over in a trade from Boston.

Arismendy Alcantara helped with the comeback by adding a big three-run homer in the seventh inning, his 10th on the year.

Hector Rondon picked up his 26th save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He continues to be a very steady presence for the Cubs at the back of the bullpen.

Other notes

* Carlos Villanueva came in to relieve Doubront in the third inning and did a great job. He only pitched 1.2 scoreless innings, but he stopped the bleeding and kept the game from getting out of hand. I’ve really enjoyed having Villanueva on the Cubs these past couple of years. Hey may not have the best numbers, but he always seems to do whatever is asked of him. Before today, he had only pitched one time since the roster expanded on Sept. 1.

* Jorge Soler was held hitless — a rare occurrence — but it took an incredible diving catch by Yasiel Puig to make it happen. Soler was removed from the game after that play as part of a double switch in the top of the sixth. I’m assuming he was taken out simply because he made the final out of the inning and the Cubs wanted to protect him from the slick, rainy conditions. That’s what I’m hoping, at least.

* After suffering a bruised rib on Friday, Welington Castillo seems to be OK. Carrie Muskat says Castillo is considered day-to-day.

* Anthony Rizzo played in back-to-back games for the first time since returning from an injury that caused him to miss 18 games. It’s a good sign that Rizzo’s back is feeling better.

* The Cubs have decided to switch Kyle Hendricks and Jake Arrieta’s spots in the rotation next week. Hendricks will now pitch Tuesday, with Arrieta going on Wednesday.