Cubs’ Reed trade bait

Chicago Cubs outfielder Reed Johnson had three more hits on Thursday, giving him seven in the last two games.

Johnson, hitting .349 with a .568 slugging percentage in 166 at-bats, is some drawing interest from clubs looking for another right-handed bat for the playoff run. While Johnson wouldn’t mind playing on a contender, he said he’d like to return to the Cubs.

“I hope so,” he said. “That’s always the plan. You never know what direction the organization is going to go, and what their plans are for outfielders. Hopefully I’m part of their plans. We’ll see. Being here, I feel like if the fans appreciate the way I play the game, then that’s always nice to feel that as a player.”

Johnson’s hot streak kept Tyler Colvin on the bench. Manager Mike Quade said Colvin needed to “earn” his playing time.

“He knows his role,” Aramis Ramirez said of Johnson. “He knows he’s a back-up guy, but he’s always ready.”

Cardinals get Rhodes

The St. Louis Cardinals have bolstered their bullpen for the stretch run by coming to terms with veteran left-hander Arthur Rhodes.

The 41-year-old Rhodes is scheduled to join the Cardinals today, prior to the start of three-game series against visiting Colorado. The Cardinals will make a roster move to add Rhodes after reaching a deal with him Thursday.

Rhodes was released by Texas this week. He went 3-3 with a 4.81 ERA in 32 games for the Rangers. He held left-handed hitters to a .216 average in 37-at bats.

Playoffs on Sept. 30

A tightened-up baseball postseason schedule will start Sept. 30 with a pair of A.L. playoff games.

This will mark the first time since the 1915 World Series that the major league postseason will begin on a Friday.

This year’s schedule does not include any off days between games while a series is in one city. Last year, the Reds and Phillies had an off-day between Games 1 and 2 in Philadelphia.

The World Series will open in the home of the National League champion on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Arrieta’s season over

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Jake Arrieta is scheduled to have season-ending surgery today to remove a bone spur from his right elbow.

Arrieta hasn’t pitched since July 31 and has been on the disabled list since Aug. 6.

The right-hander went 10-8 with a 5.05 ERA in 22 games, all of them starts. He’s 16-14 in two seasons with Baltimore.

Arrieta was 5-1 with a 4.03 ERA on May 15.