What It Means:

Mervis will hit the bench as the Cubs face off against Angels left-hander Reid Detmers. Trey Mancini will take over at first base while Miguel Amaya takes a turn at designated hitter and Yan Gomes handles catching duties.

The rookie has yet to live up to expectations at the plate in the majors so far with his .176 batting average, but the team has tried its best to keep him from facing left-handed pitchers. He has made just 16 plate appearances against lefties so far, compared to 65 against righties. He'll need to perform much better against right-handers before the teams lets him join the lineup in a more every-day capacity.