The Cubs are known for having a bizarre schedule, and new manager Joe Maddon is having a hard time adjusting.
After a day game at the Diamondbacks’ home in Phoenix, the Cubs flew back to Chicago for a 1:20 p.m. CT tilt with the Nationals on Monday. The quick turnaround didn’t sit well with Maddon.
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"I don't understand why [the] Memorial game has to be played during the day," Maddon said before Monday’s game, via ESPN.com. "There's fireworks and stuff (you can do at night).”
The Cubs reportedly arrived in Chicago from Phoenix at 11 p.m. local time Sunday and promptly canceled batting practice for the next day. The Cubs lost both Sunday and Monday.
"Quite frankly to play a day game two time zones away then come back (to) another one the next day ... it's tough," Maddon said. "It's not easy, but we're not going to make excuses."
During a six-game homestead the Cubs play at six different start times ranging from Monday’s 1:20 p.m. start to an 8:05 p.m. start Wednesday to finish up their three-game series against the Nationals. Madden noted the variety of start times makes for “an awkward schedule.”
The Cubs (24-20) are 4 1/2 games back of the Cardinals in the NL Central, but firmly in play for a wild card spot early in the season albeit with a wacky schedule. Luckily for the 61-year-old Maddon, he does’t have to run out on the field after a long overnight flight.
"To this point I've been impressed with our guys," Maddon said. "I have not heard one complaint.
"I hope the players feel better than I do today."