After two extensions, Major League Baseball’s edict for teams to trim their staffs to 13 pitchers will take effect Monday. And it will put Cubs manager David Ross’ patience to the test.
Because of blowout deficits, Ross has been forced to use a position player to pitch four times and would prefer that it never happens again.
‘‘I’ve seen all I want to see from my end,’’ Ross said. ‘‘But I could have made that comment earlier, and I refrain from it.’’
Nevertheless, Ross will try to protect the health of the pitchers, which means he might be forced to continue using position players to pitch in blowouts.