Starlin Castro Will Take Grounders At Second Base, Third Base

(CBS) After recently being demoted from his perch as the Cubs' starting shortstop, Starlin Castro will take grounders at second and third base, manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday.

Castro lost his everyday job last week, with Maddon wanting to make room for hot-hitting rookie Kyle Schwarber, a catcher by trade who also plays the outfield. Maddon benched Castro, moved rookie Addison Russell from second base to shortstop and switched Chris Coghlan from left field to second base to open up space for Schwarber.

"It's wonderful because he's been so great about it," Maddon said on the Spiegel and Goff Show. "He's been absolutely terrific. We have a great relationship.

"What was going on was primarily about getting Schwarber in the lineup every day. It was also about getting Coghlan against right-handers in the lineup more consistently. (Starlin) understood that. He's been a total pro about it. He's coming out today to get some work at second base. We're going to get him some work at third base also. I got to try to get him into this lineup. We're not seeing any lefties until, I think, the weekend in Chicago against the White Sox (from Friday-Sunday)."

Maddon added Castro should be in the lineup "at some point" in the next three days as the Cubs host the Brewers at Wrigley Field. It could come at second base, shortstop or third base, Maddon indicated.

Castro hasn't played since last Thursday. He's hitting .236 with a .271 on-base percentage.

"He's played second base in the past," Maddon said.

"He's been really open-minded about everything ... He knows what's best for us right now. I'm telling you, before this season's over, he could do some really big things to help us win."

Listen to Maddon's full interview below.