WASHINGTON -- Cubs manager Joe Maddon insists he hasn't looked ahead to the potential construction of a postseason roster amid a tight National League Central race.If Chicago gets there, however, Terrance Gore has given Maddon something to think about.Gore came on as a pinch-runner in the seventh inning in the

WASHINGTON -- Cubs manager Joe Maddon insists he hasn't looked ahead to the potential construction of a postseason roster amid a tight National League Central race.

If Chicago gets there, however, Terrance Gore has given Maddon something to think about.

Gore came on as a pinch-runner in the seventh inning in the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader, and he immediately stole second and third before scoring on Kristopher Bryant 's double.

"He's definitely an interesting cat to have on the team," Maddon said. "If you ever went to a 26-man roster, he might be the perfect fit during the regular season, having somebody like him."

Gore, who played in parts of four seasons with the Royals, collected his first career big league hit in Saturday's opener -- against Nationals ace Max Scherzer of all people -- but he had four combined steals for Kansas City in the 2014 and '15 postseasons.

The Cubs did not activate speed merchant Quintin Berry for the 2015 postseason, but Gore is "different than him," according to Maddon.

"He's had the experience," Maddon said. "And you see out there. Even when he had a bad jump the other day, he still beat the throw. And he's got this knack to slide late and hold onto the bag, it just sticks."

Gore joined the Cubs for September after they acquired him in a trade for cash in mid-August. He was 4-for-4 in steal attempts and scored twice.

Flipping good

Victor Caratini 's first career grand slam in Saturday's nightcap was only his third big league homer.

But his bat flip -- in which the he flung the lumber like a majorette's baton -- rivaled some of the best sluggers in the game.

"It felt really good -- I felt like I got all of it as soon as it got off the bat," the second-year catcher said through an interpreter. "It's just a natural reaction to the moment. It's just where my arm and my bat went."

Maddon said Saturday a stiff headwind was to blame for the blast not clearing the right-center fence by a greater distance. He also believes Caratini's power potential is greater than his two round-trippers in 147 at-bats this year backing up Willson Contreras . Caratini hit 10 homers at Triple-A Iowa in 2017.

"If I put my scout's cap on, he's capable of 10 to 15 a year if he played often," Maddon said.

Decked out

On the opening Sunday of the NFL season, many of the Cubs entered the clubhouse donning the jerseys of some of their favorite gridiron stars, purchased by currently injured outfielder Jason Heyward .

Maddon's choice? The No. 10 of Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton.

"I have my [Joe] Namath jersey, I have my [Mike] Ditka jersey," Maddon said. "I wanted to do something a little different this year."

Injury notes

• Left-hander Drew Smyly (Tommy John surgery) has talked with Cubs president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer about his next move after pitching one rehab inning, with an update expected Monday, Maddon said.

• Closer Brandon Morrow (right biceps) threw about 25 pitches in a light bullpen session Sunday in Washington.