The #1 source for #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news and notes. Today is an off day and the trading deadline. Cubs took the last game of the Brewers series and maintained their skein.
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Mike Imanaga faced Fastball Freddy Peralta in a battle of nicknames. The expected pitchers’ duel didn’t really happen as Michael Busch set the tone for the offense by driving the first pitch he saw over the right-field wall [VIDEO]. Peralta gave up an unaccustomed five earned runs in four innings as PCA doubled in another [VIDEO] and Moises Ballesteros clouted a bases-clearing two-begger in his return to the majors [VIDEO].
Shota has probably had enough of William Contreras, but that was just about his only trouble spot in a well-pitched game with perhaps a bit less of the pitch-tipping. Southpaw DL Hall replaced Peralta and gave up three earned runs in his one inning. Easton McGee also gave up two earned as the Cubs left the meatloaf behind but took the silverware.
Kyle Tucker doubled in two runs [VIDEO]. Dansby Swanson doubled in a run [VIDEO]. Ian Happ homered [VIDEO]. Shota struck out eight men [VIDEO].
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- Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): How Jed Hoyer’s personality gives Cubs confidence for future. “It’s the human level of how you’re treated, frankly,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said.
- Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): Cubs takeaways: What we learned in crucial bounceback win over Brewers. “… the biggest hit of Ballesteros’ young career.” Meghan Montemurro has more* {$}.
- Jesse Rogers (ESPN*): MLB trade deadline 2025: Breaking down Chicago Cubs’ options. “Sometimes, a deadline is all it takes to make things happen.”
- Mark Polishuk (MLB Trade Rumors*): Cubs acquire Michael Soroka. “Washington will receive prospects Ronny Cruz and Christian Franklin in return, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.”
- Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Cubs best Crew to tighten NL Central heading into Deadline day. “I think it’s nice that we have an off-day for it,” Cubs outfielder Ian Happ said. More from the AP*.
- Tommy Birch (Des Moines Register* {$}): How Chicago Cubs pitcher Javier Assad did in his rehab start with the Iowa Cubs. “He allowed just two runs, one earned, on four hits and one walk in 3.2 innings of work.”
- Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Chicago Cubs roster moves: Moisés Ballesteros called up — and Ian Happ ‘100% no’ won’t need an IL stint. “That’s as bad as I’ve felt, that was a pretty good one,” Happ said before wryly adding, “Squared the ball up though, it was the pitch I was looking for.” Patrick Mooney has more {$}.
- DJ Siddiqi (Forbes* {$}): Dansby Swanson on possibility of leading Chicago Cubs to a World Series: ‘We’re going to have a good chance’. “We’re just a good baseball team,” says Swanson.
- Matt Ostrowski (North Side Baseball*): Pete Crow-Armstrong’s exemplary defense keeps setting records. “… it’s hard not to call him the best defender in baseball, regardless of position.”
- Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): ‘A generation connector’: Ryne Sandberg’s statue brings Chicago Cubs fans together following Hall of Famer’s death. “Every generation gets to have their heroes, but Ryne was one that crossed generations.”
Food for thought:
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