Ryan

Theriot

It was just Theriot’s second start since he was recalled on July 24. As poorly as Ronny Cedeno has played, there’s a case to be made for giving Theriot more time at second base. Still, Cedeno is the one who fits into the club’s long-term plans. Theriot probably won’t be worth using in NL-only leagues.

Theriot didn’t make any starts in his 18 days with the Cubs. He went 0-for-4 with a walk in six games.

Theriot’s homer off Noah Lowry came in his 54th career at-bat. Since he’s had seven hits in 10 at-bats over the last two games, he’s going to have to remain the Cubs’ starting second baseman for now. Freddie Bynum may begin to get more playing time in the outfield.

With Skip Schumaker (oblique) unavailable, Theriot and Nick Punto will share time at second base, and it’s Theriot that gets the first shot. Jon Jay is also back in center field after not starting Game 5 of the NLDS.

“There’s been a lot of improvement from then to now,” Schumaker told Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “I wouldn’t have been as optimistic two days ago, or even yesterday, but if it continues to improve at this rate I think there’s a very good chance.” Nick Punto and Ryan Theriot have been filling in at second base.

Skip Schumaker is recovered from his oblique injury, but Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is sticking with his best defensive option with groundball-inducing starter Chris Carpenter going against Texas. Ryan Theriot is also on the bench for Game 1.

Schumaker missed the NLCS with a strained oblique, and while he’s feeling good enough to be added to the World Series roster, it sounds like he’s not at the point where La Russa trusts him in a starting role just yet. “I wouldn’t hesitate to play him at second, but I’m not sure I will,” La Russa said. Nick Punto is starting at second base in Game 1.

Nick Punto is the better defensive option, but Theriot is a solid singles hitter against left-handed pitchers and the Rangers are starting southpaw Matt Harrison. Lance Berkman is serving as the Cards’ DH and Allen Craig is playing right field.

Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy said something similar on Sunday, but now we have it directly from the horse’s mouth. Sanchez hasn’t had any setbacks with his surgically-repaired right shoulder, but he doesn’t feel he’s getting enough mustard on double-play throws. Mike Fontenot and Ryan Theriot would likely share playing time at second base if he needs extra recovery time.

This doesn’t come as a big surprise, as Sanchez recently received a cortisone shot in his surgically-repaired shoulder after hitting a “plateau” in his rehab. He’ll likely need at least the first couple weeks of the season to get ready. The Giants have Mike Fontenot and Ryan Theriot on the roster, but Emmanuel Burriss is considered the favorite to take his place at second base.