Jason Motte trying to get back into Cubs bullpen for playoff run

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MILWAUKEE – The Cubs can’t count on Jason Motte the way the St. Louis Cardinals did in 2011, when he closed out a World Series Game 7 win over the Texas Rangers.

But there’s a long-shot possibility Motte could still help this bullpen, if his right shoulder keeps responding and the Cubs win enough playoff rounds. The veteran reliever traveled on Saturday to the team’s complex in Arizona, where he will begin pitching in simulated games and try to get back to full strength.

“He still has to go through a process,” manager Joe Maddon said before Game 161 against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. “He talked to me yesterday and he knows how much experience could matter out of a bullpen this time of the year and the fact that he’s been there.”

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The Cubs moved Motte to the disabled list on Aug. 24 with a strained right shoulder and didn’t sound optimistic he would be a factor again this season.

Motte had been about what the Cubs expected when they signed him to a one-year, $4.5 million contract, going 8-1 with a 3.91 ERA and six saves in 57 appearances.

“Of course, he is kind of like torn between leaving to go do this or staying around,” Maddon said. “He wanted to get ready for down the road.”

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