Joe Maddon's Decision to Pinch Hit Brad Brach Without Using Him as a Pitcher Was Actually Smart

Tell us if you've heard this one before: Joe Maddon made a whacky roster move or in-game decision.

During today's game against the San Francisco Giants, the Chicago Cubs manager added another one to his collection of crazy moves.

During the seventh inning of their 4-1 win, Maddon decided to use relief pitcher Brad Brach to pinch hit for fellow reliever Rowan Wick. This would be a typical move if the Cubs were out of position players, but the words "typical" and "Joe Maddon" do not collide in the same sentence very often.

Not only that, but Brach didn't even pitch the next inning! Maddon brought in Pedro Strop.

There was no intention for Brach to enter the game after pitching in three straight, and Strop would have batted if Maddon wasn't worried about his nagging hamstring issues.

When looking at this situation from Maddon's perspective, you can understand why he left Daniel Descalso and Martin Maldonado on the bench. Maddon used more caution than most managers with his team up three runs late.

He made sure he had his extra catcher and utility man just in case there was an injury...or, you know, if the Cubs' dumpy bullpen blew another lead.