7/18 Work shift

Have you been watching the Cubs’ defensive alignment when the Phillies’ Ryan Howard is at the plate. Second baseman Ryan Theriot moves to shallow right in front of right fielder Tyler Colvin, who plays very deep. Shortstop Starlin Castro moves behind second and third baseman Aramis Ramirez is positioned where the shortstop normally is.

“It’s weird,” Theriot said Sunday.

The Cubs use the same shift when facing Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder and Washington’s Adam Dunn. It worked in the fifth Sunday as Howard grounded out to Theriot. The Cubs infielder does keep an eye on Colvin.

“I do check and see where he is,” Theriot said. “If it’s a fly ball, I’ll let him catch it.”

It’s a bizarre looking alignment.

“It’s bizarre to be out there,” Theriot said.

– Carrie Muskat