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Maddon considering 'hybrid' solution for Cubs' 5th starter

Kamil Krzaczynski / USA TODAY Sports

Joe Maddon may choose to have two No.5 guys in the Chicago Cubs' rotation.

Brett Anderson, the newly-signed starter acquired in free agency this offseason, would normally be the ideal choice, but the former Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland Athletics hurler has pitched over 45 innings just once in his last five seasons.

Meanwhile, swingman Mike Montgomery, who did make five starts for the Cubs last season, hasn't been a permanent starter since the 2015 season with the Seattle Mariners.

"Neither one has really been stretched out anywhere close to 200 innings over the last couple of years, so we're thinking it's almost like a hybrid moment," Maddon told ESPN's Jesse Rogers. "Almost fold one back into the bullpen for a bit while the other one starts and vice versa.

"Or jump a sixth guy in there now and then to keep the other guys from being overworked too early."

The rest of the Cubs' rotation appears to be set in stone, with Jon Lester leading a staff consisting of Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta, and John Lackey, but if Chicago does employ two fifth starters, Maddon considers it a beneficial problem to have.

"We feel fortunate if everyone stays healthy you have six guys that you like right there," Maddon said, according to Rogers. "It's hard for anyone (else) to say that."

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