INSIDER
Left-hander ShÅta Imanaga and Chicago Cubs finalize $53 million, 4-year contract
Read full article: Left-hander ShÅta Imanaga and Chicago Cubs finalize $53 million, 4-year contractJapanese left-hander ShÅta Imanaga and the Chicago Cubs finalized a $53 million, four-year contract, a deal that includes a club option that could make the agreement worth $80 million over five seasons.
Chicago Cubs agree to contract with Japanese left-hander ShÅta Imanaga, AP source says
Read full article: Chicago Cubs agree to contract with Japanese left-hander ShÅta Imanaga, AP source saysThe Chicago Cubs have bolstered their rotation, agreeing to a contract with left-hander ShÅta Imanaga in their first major offseason roster move.
Chicago Cubs hire manager Craig Counsell away from Milwaukee in surprising move
Read full article: Chicago Cubs hire manager Craig Counsell away from Milwaukee in surprising moveThe Chicago Cubs have hired manager Craig Counsell away from Milwaukee, landing the former big leaguer with a record-breaking contract and firing David Ross in a tandem of surprising moves.
Cubs manager David Ross rips umpire and criticizes decision to close roof in Milwaukee
Read full article: Cubs manager David Ross rips umpire and criticizes decision to close roof in MilwaukeeInfuriated about the plate umpire and the ballpark roof, Chicago Cubs manager David Ross let loose after Tuesdayās wild extra-inning win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Collision ends Smyly perfect game bid, Cubs top Dodgers 13-0
Read full article: Collision ends Smyly perfect game bid, Cubs top Dodgers 13-0Drew Smyly lost a perfect game bid when he collided with his catcher while trying to field an eighth-inning dribbler that went for an infield single in the Chicago Cubsā 13-0 rout of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Pujols reaches 695 HRs, Mikolas goes 8 in Cards' win vs Cubs
Read full article: Pujols reaches 695 HRs, Mikolas goes 8 in Cards' win vs CubsAlbert Pujols hit his 695th career home run in the eighth inning and Miles Mikolas tossed eight scoreless innings to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0.
Cardinals' Goldschmidt has 2 HR, 5 RBIs in 8-3 win over Cubs
Read full article: Cardinals' Goldschmidt has 2 HR, 5 RBIs in 8-3 win over CubsPaul Goldschmidt slugged his 32nd and 33rd homers and had five RBIs, Corey Dickerson set a franchise record for consecutive hits and the St. Louis Cardinals rolled to an 8-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.
Pujols homers as Montgomery, Cardinals blank Cubs 1-0
Read full article: Pujols homers as Montgomery, Cardinals blank Cubs 1-0Albert Pujols hit career homer No. 693, Jordan Montgomery pitched a one-hitter and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 1-0 for their season-high eighth straight victory.
Contreras salutes fans, helps Cubs win 6th in row, top Bucs
Read full article: Contreras salutes fans, helps Cubs win 6th in row, top BucsWillson Contreras drew a standing ovation in perhaps his last home game at Wrigley Field, then keyed an early burst as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 for their season-high sixth straight win.
Orioles beat Cubs 7-1, extend winning streak to 10 games
Read full article: Orioles beat Cubs 7-1, extend winning streak to 10 gamesAnthony Santander hit a two-run double to spark Baltimoreās three-run first inning, Spenser Watkins and four relievers scattered six hits and the Orioles extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 7-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs.
Braves' 14-game win streak, Cubs' 10-game skid both end
Read full article: Braves' 14-game win streak, Cubs' 10-game skid both endThe Chicago Cubs became the first team in 23 years to stop a losing streak of 10 or more game while ending an opponentās winning streak of at least 10 games, beating the Braves 1-0 to end the Bravesā 14-game run.
Cardinals set team record with 15th straight win, beat Cubs
Read full article: Cardinals set team record with 15th straight win, beat CubsThe St. Louis Cardinals set a franchise record with their 15th straight win, boosted when catcher Yadier Molina and center fielder Harrison Bader helped pull off a wild double play in an 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs.
Cards match record with 14th straight win, rip Cubs 12-4
Read full article: Cards match record with 14th straight win, rip Cubs 12-4The surging St. Louis Cardinals emphatically matched a team record with their 14th straight win, pounding the Chicago Cubs 12-4 in the second game of a doubleheader behind Tyler OāNeillās three-run homer and a pair of solo shots by Lars Nootbaar.
Bryant cheered in Wrigley return, Giants win 5th in row
Read full article: Bryant cheered in Wrigley return, Giants win 5th in rowKris Bryant drew a pair of standing ovations in his return to Wrigley Field, then Evan Longoria and Brandon Belt homered in the seventh inning to send the San Francisco Giants over the Chicago Cubs 6-1 for their fifth straight win.
Cubs manager Ross positive for virus, Chicago tops Pirates
Read full article: Cubs manager Ross positive for virus, Chicago tops PiratesChicago Cubs manager David Ross and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer missed the teamās 6-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates after they tested positive for COVID-19.
Goodwin homers, White Sox regroup to beat Cubs 8-6 in 10
Read full article: Goodwin homers, White Sox regroup to beat Cubs 8-6 in 10Brian Goodwin led off the 10th inning with a two-run homer, and the Chicago White Sox regrouped after Craig Kimbrel blew a three-run lead against his former team to beat the rebuilding crosstown Cubs 8-6 at Wrigley Field.
Ashby tagged, but Brewers sweep Cubs for 8th straight win
Read full article: Ashby tagged, but Brewers sweep Cubs for 8th straight winHighly touted Milwaukee prospect Aaron Ashby got roughed up for seven runs in the first inning of his big league debut, but Luis Urias homered twice as the Brewers rallied to rout the Chicago Cubs 15-7 for their eighth straight win.
No-hitter No. 7: Cubs blank Dodgers, tie MLB season record
Read full article: No-hitter No. 7: Cubs blank Dodgers, tie MLB season recordZach Davies and three Cubs relievers combined for the seventh no-hitter in the majors this year ā matching the most in a season since 1900 ā as Chicago blanked the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0.
DeGrom pulled with shoulder issue from Mets' 6-3 win vs Cubs
Read full article: DeGrom pulled with shoulder issue from Mets' 6-3 win vs CubsJacob deGrom was pulled from a second straight start with an arm injury, this time leaving after three perfect innings with right shoulder soreness, but the New York Mets bullpen stepped up to finish a three-hitter in a 6-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.
Davies strong, Rizzo, Wisdom homer in Cubs' 7-1 win vs Pads
Read full article: Davies strong, Rizzo, Wisdom homer in Cubs' 7-1 win vs PadsZach Davies allowed just one hit in six scoreless innings, Anthony Rizzo homered and drove in four runs, and Patrick Wisdom went deep again for the Chicago Cubs as they defeated the San Diego Padres 7-1.
Machado, OāGrady power Padres past Cubs 9-4 in series opener
Read full article: Machado, OāGrady power Padres past Cubs 9-4 in series openerManny Machado and Brian OāGrady each homered and had three RBIs to lead the San Diego Padres over the Chicago Cubs 9-4 in the opener of a three-game series between National League contenders.
Wisdom, Contreras HR as surging Cubs top Padres; Tatis hurt
Read full article: Wisdom, Contreras HR as surging Cubs top Padres; Tatis hurtPatrick Wisdom hit his third homer in two games, Willson Contreras also went deep and the surging Chicago Cubs beat San Diego 4-3 after Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. left with an injury.
Kershaw goes 1 inning in DH opener, Dodgers swept by Cubs
Read full article: Kershaw goes 1 inning in DH opener, Dodgers swept by CubsClayton Kershaw lasted one inning in the shortest start of his stellar career in the opener, Trevor Bauer didnāt get through the fifth in the nightcap, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 to sweep a split doubleheader.
LEADING OFF: NL West showdown in SD, Cubs skipper suspended
Read full article: LEADING OFF: NL West showdown in SD, Cubs skipper suspendedSan Diego rookie Ryan Weathers makes his first big league start when Mookie Betts and the champion Dodgers visit Petco Park in the first matchup this season between the NL West rivals.
Cubs' Tepera suspended for 3 games, manager Ross 1 by MLB
Read full article: Cubs' Tepera suspended for 3 games, manager Ross 1 by MLBChicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Tepera was suspended for three games by Major League Baseball, which concluded he intentionally threw at Milwaukeeās Brandon Woodruff this week.
Plunked again, Contreras hits back with HR, Cubs beat Brews
Read full article: Plunked again, Contreras hits back with HR, Cubs beat BrewsWillson Contreras struck back after getting plunked again by the Brewers, hitting a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Chicago Cubs rallied past Milwaukee 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Cubs' Hendricks feeling ill, scratched amid team COVID scare
Read full article: Cubs' Hendricks feeling ill, scratched amid team COVID scareWith the team facing a COVID-19 scare, Chicago Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks was scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday night after the right-hander indicated he wasnāt feeling well.
The Latest: Cubs manager says no player has tested positive
Read full article: The Latest: Cubs manager says no player has tested positiveChicago Cubs manager David Ross says none of his players has tested positive for COVID-19 as infielder Matt Duffy joined three teammates on the virus-related injured list.
Chicago Cubs concerned about possible COVID-19 outbreak
Read full article: Chicago Cubs concerned about possible COVID-19 outbreakThe Chicago Cubs are concerned about a possible COVID-19 outbreak after two coaches tested positive for the virus and three relievers were placed on the COVID-19-related injured list.
MLB steps up ball monitoring to suppress foreign substances
Read full article: MLB steps up ball monitoring to suppress foreign substancesOakland Athletics starting pitcher Daulton Jefferies throws against the Colorado Rockies during the second inning of a spring training baseball game, Tuesday, March 23, 2021, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)NEW YORK ā Major League Baseball is increasing its monitoring of baseballs in an attempt to suppress any use of foreign substances by pitchers. "The stuff that youāre hearing thatās out there is doctoring the baseball. I think MLB is on the right track to try to crack down on that. AdāMLB Statcast data will be reviewed by the commissionerās office to analyze spin rate changes among pitchers suspected of using foreign substances, comparing game data with career norms. āAs a reminder, all club personnel are prohibited from assisting players in the use of foreign substances and also will be subject to discipline by the commissioner, including fines and suspensions,ā Hill wrote.
In-game video returning to baseball for 2021
Read full article: In-game video returning to baseball for 2021āYouād come back in the dugout and youād say, āHey where was that pitch at?āā Owings said Monday. āIt would be like it is on the MLB app where it just shows where the pitch crossed the plate. But Major League Baseball has cleared the way for the return of in-game video on dugout iPads beginning on opening day, with catcher signals clipped when they are displayed on a computer. āI think the fact that they would have it in the dugout is a step in the right direction.āHow much in-game video helps depends on the hitter. ___AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum and AP Sports Writers Pat Graham, Stephen Hawkins and Howard Fendrich contributed to this report.
Coming home: Padres' Musgrove wears No. 44 to honor Peavy
Read full article: Coming home: Padres' Musgrove wears No. 44 to honor Peavy(AP Photo/Ron Schwane, file)When Joe Musgrove reported to spring training to start his sixth big league season, a brown and gold No. 44 San Diego Padres jersey was hanging in his locker. 44 is a nod to Jake Peavy, the fiery right-hander Musgrove grew up cheering for. "The last few days here, it just feels right.āMusgrove was obtained in a trade with rebuilding Pittsburgh on Jan. 19, the third big trade Padres general manager A.J. Musgrove said he was an energetic and emotional player as a kid, which is why he idolized Peavy, the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner.
AP source: Chicago Cubs, RHP Jake Arrieta agree to reunion
Read full article: AP source: Chicago Cubs, RHP Jake Arrieta agree to reunionPhiladelphia Phillies' Jake Arrieta pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)CHICAGO ā Jake Arrieta is returning to the Chicago Cubs, agreeing to a $6 million, one-year contract on Friday. The 34-year-old Arrieta won the NL Cy Young Award with Chicago in 2015 and helped the Cubs win the 2016 World Series for their first championship since 1908. He went 68-31 with a 2.73 ERA in 128 starts over five years in his first stint with the team. He tossed a five-hitter in the Cubs' 4-0 win at Pittsburgh in the 2015 NL wild-card game.
Kevin Cash, Don Mattingly win Manager of the Year awards
Read full article: Kevin Cash, Don Mattingly win Manager of the Year awardsFILE - In this July 24, 2020, file photo, Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly, left, gives an elbow-bump to Philadelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi, right, prior to a baseball game in Philadelphia. Mattingly won the NL Manager of the Year award on Tuesday night, Nov. 10. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)Tampa Bayās Kevin Cash won the AL Manager of the Year award on Tuesday night, and Miamiās Don Mattingly took home the NL honor. Tingler and Ross led their teams to the playoffs in their first seasons as a big league manager. The Tampa, Florida, native and Florida State alum was hired as Tampa Bay manager the day before his 37th birthday.
Mookie Betts, Jacob deGrom in the mix for historic NL awards
Read full article: Mookie Betts, Jacob deGrom in the mix for historic NL awards(AP Photo/Eric Gay)Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts could become the second player to win the MVP award in each league, and New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom is in the running for his third consecutive NL Cy Young Award. Betts, Freddie Freeman and Manny Machado are the top finishers for NL MVP in balloting by the Baseball Writersā Association of America. DeGrom, Trevor Bauer and Yu Darvish are the finalists in the NL Cy Young race. Betts, who won the 2018 AL MVP award with Boston, helped the Dodgers win the World Series last week for the first time since 1988. Frank Robinson is the only player to win the MVP award in both leagues, accomplishing the feat in 1961 with Cincinnati and 1966 for Baltimore.
Dickerson homers as Marlins beat Cubs 5-1 in playoff opener
Read full article: Dickerson homers as Marlins beat Cubs 5-1 in playoff openerCorey Dickerson hit a three-run homer off a fading Hendricks in the seventh inning, and Miami beat the Chicago Cubs 5-1 on Wednesday in Game 1 of their NL wild-card series. The Marlins, who rallied past the Cubs in a memorable NLCS that year, have never lost a playoff series. This year's Marlins weren't supposed to make the playoffs, not after losing 105 games in 2019 and dealing with a coronavirus outbreak early this season. Yu Darvish starts for the Central champion Cubs, and rookie right-hander Sixto SĆ”nchez get the ball for upstart Miami. āItās going to be great.āDarvish is making his first playoff appearance since signing with Chicago before the 2018 season.
Kuhl goes 7 sharp innings as Pirates blank slumping Cubs 7-0
Read full article: Kuhl goes 7 sharp innings as Pirates blank slumping Cubs 7-0Pittsburgh Pirates outfielders, from left, Jared Oliva, Bryan Reynolds and Gregory Polanco (25) celebrate the final out of a 7-0 win over the Chicago Cubs in a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)PITTSBURGH ā Chad Kuhl pitched seven sharp innings and Colin Moran and Bryan Reynolds had home runs among their three hits each Thursday in the Pittsburgh Piratesā 7-0 victory over the slumping Chicago Cubs. The Cubs, who clinched a postseason berth Tuesday, are stumbling toward the playoffs with five losses in six games. Geoff Hartlieb and Blake Cederlind completed the shutout in which the Piratesā staff was backed by four home runs. Mills lasted 3 2/3 innings and gave up four runs and eight hits with one walk and two strikeouts.
LEADING OFF: Glasnow, Rays try to win AL East, Bieber ready
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Glasnow, Rays try to win AL East, Bieber readyCincinnatiās Trevor Bauer (1.80) is third and starts at home against the Brewers in a matchup of NL playoff contenders. Atlanta won its third straight NL East title with an 11-1 romp over the contending Marlins. After losses in 10 straight postseason appearances, the Braves are desperate to end the drought. Thereās so much to be proud of from my point of view.āSTUMBLINGThe Phillies have lost in four, dropping them out of NL playoff position. After getting in a doubleheader in Washington, theyāll try to regain their winning touch when Zach Eflin (3-2, 4.28 ERA) starts against Erick Fedde (2-3, 4.36) at Nationals Park.
Cubs clinch playoff spot, Pirates win on Stallings HR in 9th
Read full article: Cubs clinch playoff spot, Pirates win on Stallings HR in 9thThe NL Central-leading Cubs were assured a spot in the expanded playoff field when Philadelphia was swept in a doubleheader at Washington. It was Stallingsā third home run of the season and the third game-ending hit of his career. Anthony Rizzoās two-run homer in the eighth inning had pulled the Cubs into a tie at 2-all. The Pirates took a 2-0 lead on RBI doubles by Erik Gonzalez in the second inning and Adam Frazier in the fifth. Pirates: RHP Trevor Williams (1-8, 6.70) has lost five straight decisions since getting his lone win Aug. 13 at Cincinnati.
Twins clinch 2nd straight playoff spot, beat Mills, Cubs 8-1
Read full article: Twins clinch 2nd straight playoff spot, beat Mills, Cubs 8-1Minnesota Twins' Jake Cave (60) runs to score on a single hit by Eddie Rosario against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)CHICAGO ā Eddie Rosario, Miguel SanĆ³ and Josh Donaldson homered as the Minnesota Twins clinched a second straight postseason berth with an 8-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night. The Twins, who won the division last year, will make back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 2009-10. After Mills struck out the first two batters of the game, Rosario homered on the first pitch he saw for a 1-0 lead. In the sixth, Rosario hit an RBI single for a 2-1 lead.
Sunday in the parks: The playoffs, NFL, a no-hitter and more
Read full article: Sunday in the parks: The playoffs, NFL, a no-hitter and moreTampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown with offensive tackle Donovan Smith (76) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020. The NFL roared back to life, even if the roar was from fans who werenāt in the stadiums. For the first time since Jan. 1, 2000 ā when he was a senior at Michigan ā Tom Brady played a football game in something other than a New England Patriots helmet. āI know how much comes along with that,ā Cubs manager David Ross said after the second no-hitter of the season. Thatās a special day for us, a special day for Alec Mills.
Schwarber homers twice as Cubs pound Reds 10-1
Read full article: Schwarber homers twice as Cubs pound Reds 10-1Chicago Cubs' Kyle Schwarber reacts after hitting a grand slam in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)CINCINNATI With one massive drive in the ninth inning, Kyle Schwarber made history for the Chicago Cubs. Schwarber, Jason Heyward and Ian Happ became the first starting outfield to hit multiple homers in the same game, and the Cubs pounded the Cincinnati Reds 10-1 on Sunday for a split of their four-game series. Schwarber hit the first and the last of the Cubs' season-high six homers, belting a solo drive in the fourth against Luis Castillo (0-5) and a grand slam off Jos De Len in the ninth. When you have a little piece of history, you always keep that with you.The NL Central-leading Cubs hit 14 homers in the series.
Garcia doubles in 10th, Brewers hand Cubs 1st 2-game skid
Read full article: Garcia doubles in 10th, Brewers hand Cubs 1st 2-game skidMilwaukee Brewers' Avisail Garcia (24) celebrates with teammates Christian Yelich (22) and Ryan Braun (8) after scoring on a Justin Smoak two RBI double during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)CHICAGO Avisail Garcia doubled home the go-ahead run in the 10th inning and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Cubs 6-5 Saturday, handing Chicago its first two-game losing streak this season. Garcia doubled to deep right off Jeremy Jeffress (1-1) to score automatic runner Christian Yelich from second base to start the 10th. Uras had three hits and Ryan Braun and Garcia added two hits apiece for the Brewers, who beat Chicago 4-3 on Friday night. Braun doubled, advanced on Casey Sadlers wild pitch and scored the go-ahead run on second baseman Jason Kipnis fielding error in the sixth.
Darvish takes no-hitter into 7th, Cubs beat Brewers 4-2
Read full article: Darvish takes no-hitter into 7th, Cubs beat Brewers 4-2Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes)CHICAGO Yu Darvish took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his third straight dominant start, and the major league-leading Chicago Cubs defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 on Thursday night. But after a rocky first outing this season, against the Brewers on July 25, Darvish has been in a groove. BREWERS MOVESThe Brewers optioned LHP Eric Lauer to their alternate training site in Appleton, Wisconsin. UP NEXTBrewers: RHP Brandon Woodruff (1-1, 2.53 ERA) faces Cubs RHP Tyler Chatwood (2-1, 5.40) on Friday night.
Cubs beat Indians 7-2 to match their best start since 1970
Read full article: Cubs beat Indians 7-2 to match their best start since 1970Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks delivers in the first inning in a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in Cleveland. The Cubs are 12-3 in their first season under manager David Ross, matching the club's start after 15 games in 1970. Hendricks hadn't faced the Indians since Nov. 2, 2016, when he started the dramatic finale as the Cubs beat the Indians in extra innings to clinch their first Series title since 1908. Indians: C Roberto Perez (shoulder) has been running and throwing at the team's alternate site in Lake County. Indians: Following their second off day in four days, Cleveland opens a three-game series in Detroit on Friday.
Bez homers twice, Cubs stay hot with 8-5 win over Reds
Read full article: Bez homers twice, Cubs stay hot with 8-5 win over RedsVintage Javier Bez, in time to keep the Cubs' surge going. Bez took it from there, emerging from a slow start that included only a pair of singles in the first four games. Mills, who made four spot starts last season, held the Reds to two hits in six innings. Bez had a solo shot and a two-run homer as the Cubs pulled away, loudly cheering each hit and celebrating each run in the dugout. Reds: Sonny Gray (1-0) tries to extend his major league record streak of 34 consecutive starts without allowing more than six hits.
Hendricks goes 9; Rizzo HRs, sanitizes; Cubs beat Brew 3-0
Read full article: Hendricks goes 9; Rizzo HRs, sanitizes; Cubs beat Brew 3-0Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks throws the ball during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during an opening day baseball game Friday, July, 24, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Hendricks goes 9; Rizzo HRs, sanitizes; Cubs beat Brew 3-0
Read full article: Hendricks goes 9; Rizzo HRs, sanitizes; Cubs beat Brew 3-0Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks throws the ball during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during an opening day baseball game Friday, July, 24, 2020, in Chicago. Showing off an improved curveball, Hendricks struck out nine and walked none in his first career opening-day start and fourth career shutout. Ross came out to check on Hendricks with two out and a runner on first in the ninth. He decided to leave him in, and Keston Hiura bounced into a game-ending fielder's choice on Hendricks' 103rd pitch. Burnes is making his fifth career start after spending much of his first two seasons in Milwaukee's bullpen.
In pandemic year, Wrigley Rooftops give rare opportunity
Read full article: In pandemic year, Wrigley Rooftops give rare opportunityMilwaukee Brewers players warm up before an opening day baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Friday, July 24, 2020, in Chicago. Willson Contreras lines an RBI single against Corbin Burnes to give the Chicago Cubs an early lead over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. Fans just beyond the ivy at Wrigley Field, up on the rooftops, are letting loose. While major league ballparks are off limits to the general public, Wrigley Field is one of the few spots where they can look in on the action. In Chicago, tickets to the 16 rooftops come at a hefty price about $300 to $440 compared to the usual $150.
Mets' deGrom, Cubs' Rizzo dealing with back issues
Read full article: Mets' deGrom, Cubs' Rizzo dealing with back issuesNew York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) winds up while delivering a pitch during a simulated game, part of the Mets summer training camp workout at Citi Field, Thursday, July 9, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)CHICAGO Opening day is next week, and there is concern for New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom and Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo because of back issues. The Mets sent deGrom for an MRI on Wednesday after the right-hander pitched just one inning in a summer camp appearance due to back tightness. Rizzo and deGrom are considered day to day. If deGrom is unable to go on opening day against Atlanta on July 24, Marcus Stroman or Steven Matz could get the ball.
Major league teams try to ramp up the competition in camp
Read full article: Major league teams try to ramp up the competition in campSo teams are trying as best they can to ramp up the competitiveness of summer camps conducted in isolation. Several teams announced upcoming exhibition games, including Houston at Kansas City, Kansas City at St. Louis, and Cleveland against Pittsburgh. Catcher Omar Narvaez and outfielder Avisail Garcia will draft teams for matchups designed to approximate the intensity of regular-season games. St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks opted out of playing this season, citing underlying health concerns. POSTPONEDThe St. Louis Cardinals' Hall of Fame induction ceremony has been postponed because of the virus.
Chemistry class: New managers test for right mix amid virus
Read full article: Chemistry class: New managers test for right mix amid virusFILE - In this Tuesday, July 7, 2020, file photo, Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Josh Bell, right, listens to manager Derek Shelton during a team workout at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Shelton and other first-year managers are scrambling to make up for lost time. Fortunately for the first-year Pittsburgh Pirates manager, bench coach Donnie Kelly made it a point to provide it. I just (want) to make sure that Im talking to them, Im aware of what theyre going through, Shelton said. The 38-year-old Rojas the youngest manager in the majors read a book by Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski to help him prepare.
Safe at home? Off-field behavior will be decisive for MLB
Read full article: Safe at home? Off-field behavior will be decisive for MLBBehavior away from the ballpark will be a big factor in determining whether Major League Baseball's attempt to salvage the 2020 season can succeed. And as Major League Baseball attempts to salvage the 2020 season, behavior away from the ballpark will help determine the outcome. Just like on the field, success will depend on how many players are safe at home. There's also worry regarding what happens when players are away from work and beyond whatever bubble can be created at the ballpark. Theyre in a sense bullet-proof, Marlins manager Don Mattingly said.
More positive tests, canceled workouts add to MLB unease
Read full article: More positive tests, canceled workouts add to MLB uneaseThe San Francisco Giants suspended workouts at Oracle Park as they awaited the results of weekend tests for the coronavirus. Rodriguez, who broke out in 2019 as a star, and Red Sox prospect Bobby Dalbec tested positive for the virus. Manager Ron Roenicke said it is just unfortunate the positive test could jeopardize Rodriguezs chances to start on opening day. Also, the Kansas City Royals announced right-hander Brad Keller and first baseman Ryan OHearn had positive tests and gave the team permission to announce the results. Some Washington players did not take part in workouts, including Starlin Castro, Juan Soto, Howie Kendrick and Victor Robles.
King Flix opts out of MLB season, Doolittle on fence
Read full article: King Flix opts out of MLB season, Doolittle on fenceThe decision came a day after Snitker announced that four-time All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, premier reliever Will Smith and two other Atlanta players tested positive for the virus. Reliever Brett Martin tested positive on intake and allowed the Rangers to disclose that Friday. Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said outfielder Socrates Brito and pitcher Blake Cederlind tested positive for the coronavirus and allowed their names to be released. Seven players have tested positive, including the players who forced the shutdown of the teams spring training complex a few weeks ago. The Chicago White Sox said two players tested positive and are asymptomatic.
Cubs pitching coach says COVID-19 quarantined him for month
Read full article: Cubs pitching coach says COVID-19 quarantined him for monthCHICAGO An emotional Chicago Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy is recovering from a severe case of COVID-19 that quarantined him for 30 days. The 38-year-old Hottovy broke down as he detailed a harrowing ordeal during a conference call on Wednesday. The Cubs resume workouts Friday for the first time since Major League Baseball shut down camps on March 12. It's still kind of raw in the fact that we just got through it and to relive it, said Hottovy, in his second season as the Cubs' pitching coach. He isolated in a spare bedroom with symptoms that got so bad he spent part of one day at the hospital.