Trade talk links Bonifacio to multiple teams

Trade talk links Bonifacio to multiple teams

CHICAGO -- Emilio Bonifacio was not in the Cubs' lineup Wednesday, and wasn't sure if he will play on Thursday. But he was going to pack as if he was going on the team's six-game trip to Los Angeles and Denver.

There were reports Wednesday that the Giants, Royals, Mariners and Reds were looking at the switch-hitting Bonifacio, 29, who was batting .279 in 298 plate appearances for the Cubs. The non-waiver Trade Deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. CT.

Bonifacio did take batting practice before Wednesday's game and joked with reporters that he was still on the team.

What about Thursday?

"We don't know where it's at right now, so today, as far as I know, we didn't put him in the lineup to see how it was going to shake out," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said after Wednesday's game, a 6-4, 10-inning loss to the Rockies. "Tomorrow's another day. We'll deal with tomorrow tomorrow."

Bonifacio, who has been traded three times in his career, just shrugged off the rumors.

"I'm just waiting," Bonifacio said. "Right now, I just know to pack like I'm going with the team [Thursday]."

Bonifacio's agent told him that "maybe something is going on," but the infielder didn't offer any other specifics.

"There's nothing I can do about it, just wait," Bonifacio said. "You want to be part of [a playoff-bound team] but right now, I'm still part of the Cubs. I have to keep pushing for the Cubs."

This was Bonifacio's first season in Chicago and he has been slotted into the leadoff spot for most of the year. He did miss time from mid-June to mid-July with a strained right rib cage.

Bonifacio has played second and center field, and notched his fourth four-game game on Tuesday against the Rockies. He missed hitting for the cycle by a triple in the 16-inning game.
