CUBS 11, REDS 7 ROCKIES 7, CUBS 4

Team mulls Szczur options

The only thing certain about the Cubs’ final bench decision is that outfielder Matt Szczur is not going to the minors. He’s out of minorleague options, and if he’s not traded, he likely would get the spot over infielder Tommy La Stella, who has options left.

How actively the Cubs are shopping Szczur is unclear. The Twins and Braves are among teams with strong interest if the Cubs are serious about trading him. One American League source said the Cubs are “listening” on the versatile outfielder. “I love Matt,” Cubs manager

Joe Maddon said. “This guy as a teammate, nobody’s gonna get a better one on any team. We haven’t decided everything or anything yet. Stuff happens in a very short period of time. He is a Major League Baseball player.”

The Cubs won’t let La Stella’s behavior last year — he refused to report to the minors for three weeks — influence their willingness to send him down.

Hendricks mortal

Against the Reds in Las Vegas, Kyle Hendricks pitched three scoreless innings but issued four walks — his first walks in five starts. Joey Votto drew two of the walks, including one on a call Hendricks disagreed with. “Votto always walks. He’s just the toughest at- bat that I have,” Hendricks said.

Almora’s quick return

Center fielder Albert Almora still felt a little sore Saturday morning after a slight “whiplash” effect on a diving play forced him from the game Friday. But Almora “felt great” after a quick trip to the trainer’s room. He played most of the game in Las Vegas, batting four times.

On deck

Split squad: Cubs vs. Reds, Las Vegas, 3: 05 p. m., Ch. 9, 670- AM, Eddie Butler vs. Tim Adleman; Padres at Cubs, Mesa, 3: 05 p. m., cubs. com audio, Trevor Cahill vs. Alec Mills.