Ben Zobrist played 147 games last season, but that number could be reduced this year.
In an effort to preserve his strength and effectiveness, manager Joe Maddon told Zobrist, 35, that he will monitor his workload throughout spring training and into the regular season.
Maddon said the Cubs' versatility and depth could allow him to employ Zobrist as a designated hitter more often in spring training.
"With our guys and the number of quality players we have, when you give a guy the day off, the guy getting the day off doesn't mind as much,'' Maddon said Sunday after speaking with Zobrist.
Zobrist was batting .315 on June 18 — the same day Dexter Fowler suffered a right hamstring injury that caused him to be sidelined for five weeks.
Zobrist took over the leadoff duties, but his average dipped to .270 during Fowler's absence.
"We'll play it by ear," Zobrist said of his projected days off. "Some of those will have to do with whether I'm a little tired and the matchup is right. Maybe they'll choose to give me an off day on certain days, but there are other times I know last year where whether you're tired or not, you've got to be in there because that's the matchup that works best for the club."
Rotation roundup: As expected, starting pitchers Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey won't make their first exhibition debuts until March.
Left-handers Brett Anderson and Mike Montgomery, who are competing for the fifth spot, will receive more work earlier this spring. The Cubs' exhibition opener is Saturday with split-squad games against the A's (in Mesa) and Giants (in Scottsdale).
Peace summit: Maddon had nothing but praise for infielder Tommy La Stella after a meeting between the two.
La Stella was placed on the temporary inactive list for 17 days last year after declining to report to Triple-A Iowa. He rejoined the Cubs in late August after a one-month absence.
"The one thing that's revealed among all our guys is the accountability factor and very good self-evaluation," Maddon said. "Tommy is a very thoughtful young man."
La Stella faces a tough battle to land one of the final spots on the roster, with switch hitter Munenori Kawasaki and Jemile Weeks among the competitors.
"There's no animosity, no hard feelings," Maddon said. "Just an honest conversation, so I'm really fine with Tommy."
Caption Joe Maddon on Tim BussChicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss's clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss's clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Joe Maddon on Tim BussChicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss's clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss's clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs' Ben Zobrist on World Series perks, playing timeCubs' Ben Zobrist talks about World Series perks and his playing time. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs' Ben Zobrist talks about World Series perks and his playing time. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs' Kyle Schwarber on his catching sessionCubs' Kyle Schwarber on his catching session. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs' Kyle Schwarber on his catching session. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs' manager Joe Maddon on Ben ZobristCubs' manager Joe Maddon on Ben Zobrist and the Arizona weather. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs' manager Joe Maddon on Ben Zobrist and the Arizona weather. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Joe Maddon on Cubs' team meeting, spring training plansCubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
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