<p>SAN FRANCISCO – Less than a year ago, <b>Matt Shaw</b> was set to be a featured part of the Cubs’ present and future.</p><p>Then came the <b>Alex Bregman</b> signing, and Shaw’s immediate path to everyday stardom went “poof.”</p><p>Shaw is still a factor with these Cubs, a bench player who is being moved around the diamond – and even into the outfield – but his playing time, especially when compared to last year, has dropped off a cliff.</p><p>Since April ended, he has played in all of 16 games – a stay on the injured list wiping out his availability throughout the back half of May and into June – and he’s just 1-for-24.</p><p>Shaw has effectively become a specialist, starting when a lefty is on the mound and waiting for a late-game assignment as a base-runner or defender.</p><p>It has meant very limited action, which wasn’t exactly the plan, but it’s how things have shaken out.</p><p>“It’s hard, right?” manager <b>Craig Counsell</b> said Saturday. “I think he’s handled it really well. The playing-time situation’s not ideal.