While David Bote has not been in the starting lineup a lot this season, he has provided quality at-bats coming off the bench. He was pressed into action in Saturday’s game when Kris Bryant was scratched just before first pitch with what the Cubs described as “gastrointestinal issues.”

Former big leaguers Ryan Sweeney and Doug Glanville broke down how Bote has been able to take advantage of his at-bats on Cubs Live! with Cole Wright.

Entering play Saturday, Bote had 10 at-bats so far this season and has 2 home runs, 5 RBIs and leads the team with a .500 batting average. Glanville said the challenge of not starting is not having rhythm every day; however, he likes how Bote has embraced the role. 

“He’s able to adjust very quickly and find ways to execute. It’s about keeping that routine and figuring out ways to repeat it so that you’re not off cart and not trying to do something unusually different every single time,” Glanville said. 

With the depth on the Cubs roster, Sweeney says it’s a good thing to have even if it is tough for players who are backups to stay fresh.

“The National League is a little bit easier to do that but now with the DH being implemented, [Bote] has to go in and track pitches against his own pitchers and try to stay ready. You’re not seeing much of the pinch-hitting going on and the double switches that you can stay fresh in the National League,” Sweeney said. “It looks like he’s doing good so far but let’s see how it goes in the next 10-15 games if he’s not in there.”