MLB REPORT

CHICAGO CUBS

SS Starlin Castro says he just wants to help the team win and is preparing the same way for games after he was removed from the starting lineup.

Manager Joe Maddon benched Castro for Friday’s 7-3 victory over San Francisco, and had a similar lineup for Saturday’s game against the Giants. Addison Russell was at shortstop, Chris Coghlan got the start at second and Kyle Schwarber was in left field, keeping Castro in the dugout.

Castro, 25, is batting .183 in 18 games since the AllStar break. He says he was “a little frustrated” after he was told of the decision, but he understands.

Coming off the bench is a dramatic change for Castro, who has been an everyday starter for the Cubs since he was promoted to the big leagues in May 2010. He is playing under a seven-year contract worth about $60 million that includes a club option for the 2020 season.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

The club boosted its infield depth, acquiring Cliff Pennington and cash from the Diamondbacks for a minor leaguer.

The playoff-contending Blue Jays sent shortstop Dawel Lugo to Arizona.

Pennington, 31, hit .237 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 72 games for Arizona. The switch-hitter has started at shortstop, second base, third base and left field this season.

Pennington is a career .248 hitter with 80 stolen bases in eight seasons with Oakland and the Diamondbacks.

The 20-year-old Lugo hit a combined .257 with 44 RBIs in two low levels of the minors this year.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

CF Denard Span has experienced a setback in his rehabilitation from a back injury, delaying his return from the disabled list.

Span, sidelined since July 7, had been hitting, running and working in the outfield lately. He felt good at first, but manager Matt Williams said Saturday that Span’s back stopped getting better.

Williams said Span will stay with the team in Washington for the next few days and then go to Florida early next week for more rehab work.