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  • Cubs’ Wiggins Leads Charge as Phillies Arrive with Title Hopes

    Cubs’ Wiggins Leads Charge as Phillies Arrive with Title Hopes

    The Cubs are on a roll after their big win over the Dodgers and now face a crucial three game series against the Phillies. With a winning record despite one of the toughest schedules in baseball, the Cubs get to turn their attention to the Phillies and their star studded lineup this weekend.

    Meanwhile, pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins is dominating at the minor league level and the buzz is growing for his promotion to Double-A. This weekend could be a big moment for both teams.

    Cubs’ Resilience Shines Through Early Challenges

    Let’s take a step back and appreciate what the Cubs have done so far. They’ve played the toughest opening stretch in baseball and are 16-10. They’ve lost only one series and that was to a team they’d already swept.

    What’s even more impressive is they’ve done it without two of their Opening Day starters and several key relievers. Injuries are part of the journey for every team, but not every team can cover those gaps like the Cubs have. Still, national pundits aren’t fully buying in – FanGraphs has the Braves with a higher playoff probability than the Cubs despite the Cubs’ hot start.

    But here’s the thing: if the Cubs keep playing like this, no one will doubt them for long.

    Phillies Come to Town with Playoff Hopes

    The Phillies are in town to try to close the gap in the NL East. With Kyle Schwarber off to a hot start (.258/.411/.528), they have an offense that can win any game. Schwarber is a fan favorite in Chicago, but Cubs fans will hope he cools off this weekend.

    Zack Wheeler doesn’t pitch in this series, but Aaron Nola is a big one. But Tai is also a big one. And Jesus Luzardo has been lights out so far this season. The Cubs’ young hitters will need to be sharp to counter Philly’s rotation.

    Jaxon Wiggins: The Next Big Thing?

    While everyone is focused on the big club, let’s not forget about the future of the franchise. Jaxon Wiggins is the Cubs’ 2nd best prospect behind Cade Horton, and he had another great start for the South Bend Cubs yesterday. The 23 year old righty consistently hits 98 on the radar gun and has shown flashes of being a front end starter.

    But High-A hitters can’t compete with Wiggins’ stuff anymore. His K numbers are through the roof, but command is still an issue. Walking are a problem. Maybe it’s time to move him up to Double-A Tennessee, where he can face more disciplined hitters and accelerate his development timeline.

    Wiggins throws heat and has nasty secondary pitches. The Cubs need all the arms they can get, and they have a shot at developing another top of the rotation starter.

    Weird and Wild Moments Keep Cubs Fans Buzzing

    So you thought the Cubs-Diamondbacks series was crazy? Wait until you hear this: according to Jayson Stark, the April 17 game featured something that had never happened before in a single game: a cycle, a home run cycle (grand slam, three-run, two-run, solo), six total homers, two grand slams and at least five runs in each half-inning. And none of that had ever happened before—until now.

    Stark also pointed out another weird stat from earlier in the season: a walk-off win scored by a 4-3 putout. That hadn’t happened in decades and is a fun little footnote in Cubs history.

    Even the boring games make headlines. Take the Cubs’ 6-2 win over Arizona where the Diamondbacks scored solo homers in the first and ninth innings. That’s only happened twice before in MLB history.

    Lefty Drew Pomeranz Joins the Mix

    Veteran lefty Drew Pomeranz wants to prove he still has some juice left. Signed by the Cubs to provide bullpen depth, Pomeranz could be a reliable second lefty alongside Caleb Thielbar or Luke Little. But competition is fierce. Tyson Miller is close to returning, Gavin Hollowell deserves a call-up and Ryan Brasier is rehabbing. Roster spots are about to get tight.

    Pomeranz knows his window is closing fast but if he can get back to old form he could be a big help in the bullpen.

  • Dodgers Fall Victim to Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Heroics in Cubs’ Win

    Dodgers Fall Victim to Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Heroics in Cubs’ Win

    The Los Angeles Dodgers are probably glad the series against the Chicago Cubs is over, but for Pete Crow-Armstrong, it was an opportunity to make a statement. The Cubs center fielder and Los Angeles native went 3-for-4 with a home run, two stolen bases, and a career high 4 RBIs in the 7-6 win.

    This wasn’t just any game for Crow-Armstrong – it was against the team he grew up cheering for. And if his last few games are any indication, he loves facing them.

    “Absolutely,” Crow-Armstrong said when asked if his success meant more. “They’re the best, and I think we’ve enjoyed being able to show we’re right there with them. Yeah, it’s always a little extra special for me getting to do it against the team I grew up going to see.”

    A Game-Changing Performance

    Crow-Armstrong didn’t waste any time making a statement. After the Cubs fell behind 2-0 early, he erased the deficit with a three-run homer to right-center in the 4th. An inning later, he added a run scoring single that would be the last run of the night for the Cubs.

    He wasn’t done yet. The 23 year old also stole two bases, showing off the speed and athleticism that make him one of the most fun players in baseball.

    Overall, Crow-Armstrong has been a pain in the Dodgers’ side all season. In 7 games against L.A., he’s hit .357 with 4 HR and 9 RBI. For context the Cubs went 4-3 in those games, including tonight.

    A Breakout Season Continues

    Crow-Armstrong’s numbers against the Dodgers are part of a bigger picture. Over his last 10 games, dating back to the Cubs’ trip to LA, he’s hitting .400 with 5 HR. The Cubs are now averaging 6.3 runs per game, an MLB best.

    But this didn’t happen overnight. Crow-Armstrong said he had to adjust mentally, learn to handle failure, and work on his timing at the plate.

    “I got on time with my swing,” he said. “And I’ve been working on dealing with failure better. If it comes out in a win, it’s very satisfying. I feel very good.”

    His manager, Craig Counsell, couldn’t agree more.

    “He made his presence felt big time for sure,” Counsell said after the game. “That was a good game for him.”

    Defensive Prowess and Team Chemistry

    While his bat has gotten all the headlines, Crow-Armstrong’s defense is his bread and butter. Starter Matthew Boyd didn’t hesitate when asked to describe the young outfielder.

    “Defensively, I’d say he’s the best,” Boyd said. “And what he’s doing at the plate is no surprise.”

    According to ESPN Research, Crow-Armstrong is the fastest player in Cubs history to reach five home runs and 10 stolen bases, doing it in 26 games. That combo of power, speed, and defense has the Cubs fans loving him and chanting his name every time he steps up to the plate.

    “I’ve tried to tune that out,” Crow-Armstrong said. “I was thinking about it yesterday, and I was like, I gotta be 0-for-20 when they’ve chanted my name. But they continue to chant and they get behind every one of us. It’s the coolest thing.”

    Dodgers Manager Tips Hat to Rising Star

    Even manager Dave Roberts had to give Crow-Armstrong a nod, but he did so with a wink.

    “He needs to send me a bottle of wine or some golf balls with all the success he’s had,” he said before the game.

    Roberts and Crow-Armstrong have a special bond through Roberts’ son Cole, who played against the Cubs’ star growing up. They chatted before the series started, and the respect is mutual between the players and the other dugout.

  • Cubs Re-Sign Caleb Kilian to Minor League Deal

    Cubs Re-Sign Caleb Kilian to Minor League Deal

    The Cubs have re-signed right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian to a minor league contract just days after releasing him. According to Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register, Kilian will head back to Triple-A Iowa once he’s healthy enough to pitch again.

    How the Cubs and Kilian Reunited?

    Kilian was designated for assignment by the Cubs last Thursday as part of a roster move to make room for Tom Cosgrove, who was acquired in a trade with the San Diego Padres. At the time, Kilian was on the minor league injured list, so the Cubs couldn’t put him on waivers. They had two options: trade him or release him. As is often the case with players in this situation, Kilian was released over the weekend.

    Once a player clears waivers, they can negotiate with any team. But often their former team will circle back and re-sign them to a minor league deal if there’s mutual interest. That’s what happened here—Kilian was only on the open market for a few days before he agreed to come back to the Cubs.

    A Familiar Face in the Organization

    Kilian has been in the Cubs system since the 2021 trade deadline, when he and Alexander Canario were acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Kris Bryant. Neither player has lived up to expectations so far.

    Canario’s power was overshadowed by his high strikeout rates, and the Cubs moved on from him this offseason. Kilian has struggled to find consistency in the majors and minors. In three seasons, he’s made eight appearances in the big leagues with a 9.22 ERA in 27 1/3 innings. He’s walked 20 and struck out 21.

    In Triple-A, he’s posted a 4.37 ERA in parts of four seasons with 274 innings. His strikeout rate (21.8%) and walk rate (9.2%) are both below average, making him a depth guy, not a top prospect. This year, he made one start for Iowa before going on the IL with an unknown injury that limited him to 2 1/3 rough innings.

    What’s Next for Kilian?

    Once healthy, Kilian will be non-roster depth for the Cubs and will likely start or long relief in Triple-A. He hasn’t established himself as a reliable MLB contributor but the Cubs see value in keeping him around as depth.

    For now, Kilian will focus on getting back to form and proving he can contribute at higher levels. If he can get back some of that early career promise, he could work his way back into the conversation for a call-up.

  • Shota Imanaga Dazzles for Chicago Cubs: Why He’s a Game-Changer in 2025

    Shota Imanaga Dazzles for Chicago Cubs: Why He’s a Game-Changer in 2025

    In baseball, few pitchers can make hitters question what they see. Enter Shota Imanaga, the Chicago Cubs’ Japanese righty whose mastery is leaving MLB hitters confused. At 5-10 and 175, Imanaga doesn’t look like your typical ace, but his craftiness, precision and movement is unmatched.

    How Imanaga Keeps Hitters Guessing?

    Imanaga’s secret weapon? A nasty split-finger fastball that makes up 25-35% of his pitches. This pitch drops so hard hitters either swing and miss or hit it on the ground. It’s a pitch that looks hittable—until it isn’t.

    According to brooksbaseball.net , Imanaga boasts a full arsenal of pitches:

    • Split-finger fastball
    • Four-seam fastball
    • Sinking fastball
    • Curveball
    • Slider

    He used a cutter earlier in his career but hasn’t used it yet this season. Instead he focuses on changing speeds, eye levels and keeping hitters off balance – a staple of his pitching.

    A Master of Consistency

    One of the most impressive things about Imanaga is his ability to repeat his delivery with precision. Whether it’s 3-2 or bases loaded, Imanaga sticks to his plan and delivers pitch after pitch with mechanical accuracy. His consistency confuses hitters and minimizes opportunities for men to reach base. Rarely do you see Imanaga pitching from behind or dealing with traffic on the bases.

    For example, if a right handed hitter is expecting a pitch inside to hit to their pull side, they may instead get a pitch that starts outside at the knees and dives below their belt. By the time the hitter realizes where the ball is going, it’s too late – they’ve already swung over it.

    About Shota Imanaga

    Before joining the Cubs, Imanaga spent 8 seasons in Japan’s Eastern League. In his first MLB season, he was one of the top starters in the league. Here’s a snapshot of his rookie year:

    • 15-3
    • 2.91 ERA
    • 1.02 WHIP
    • 173.1 IP
    • 1.5 BB/9
    • 9 K/9

    Imanaga allowed 149 hits in 173.1 IP. He was dominant and in control.

    Cubs’ Investment in Imanaga Pays Off

    The Cubs didn’t hesitate to sign Imanaga long term when they gave him an $80 million deal. His contract has player options for 2026-2027 and a club option for 2028. If all options are exercised, Imanaga could be a Cub through 2028.

    They believed in him, and so far, he’s exceeded expectations. Even in his last start on April 15 against the Padres, where he went 5 IP, 93 pitches, and no decision, Imanaga showed why he’s become a staple in the rotation.

    Cubs Core Contracts

    Imanaga isn’t the only one locked in long term. The Cubs have built around him:

    • Dansby Swanson: Signed through 2029 on a 7 year, $177 million deal.
    • Seiya Suzuki: Committed until 2027 on a 5 year, $85 million contract.
    • Jameson Taillon: Through 2026 on a 4 year, $68 million deal.

    And All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker (traded from the Astros) is off to a hot start with the Cubs. As Tucker approaches free agency the front office has a decision to make: extend him or let him walk.

    A Bright Future for the Cubs

    Thanks to Shota Imanaga, the Cubs are reaping the rewards of having a true ace. His command, control, and movement are baffling hitters night after night. For Cubs fans watching, Imanaga is pure magic—he makes the ball dance, then disappear.

    Hitters may see the ball… but once it leaves Imanaga’s hand, good luck hitting it.

  • How to Watch Cubs vs. Padres on April 16: TV Channel & Live Stream Guide

    How to Watch Cubs vs. Padres on April 16: TV Channel & Live Stream Guide

    The Chicago Cubs, led by Seiya Suzuki, will face off against Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres in the final game of their three-game series at PETCO Park on Wednesday, April 16, at 4:10 p.m. ET. With both teams showcasing strong performances this season, fans can expect an exciting matchup. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch, key stats, and player insights.

    How to Watch Cubs vs. Padres?

    • When: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 4:10 p.m. ET
    • Where: PETCO Park in San Diego, California
    • TV Channels: SDPA, MARQ
    • Box Score Updates: Available on Fox Sports

    Game Prediction and Betting Insights

    • Score Prediction: Padres 4, Cubs 3
    • Total Runs Prediction: Under 8.5 runs
    • Win Probabilities: Cubs 54%, Padres 46%

    The Cubs enter this game as slight underdogs (+105) against the Padres (-124). Recent head-to-head matchups show a competitive rivalry, with the Cubs winning four of the last six games. However, the Padres have been dominant at home, making this a must-watch contest.

    Head-to-Head Matchups

    Here’s a quick look at the last five meetings between these two teams:

    DateFavoriteSpreadTotalResult
    4/15/2025Cubs-1.58.52-1 CHC
    4/14/2025Padres-1.5710-4 SD
    4/6/2025Cubs-1.57.58-7 SD
    4/5/2025Cubs-1.56.57-1 CHC
    4/4/2025Cubs-1.573-1 CHC

    Cubs Player Insights

    Kyle Tucker

    • Leads the team with five home runs and 18 RBIs .
    • Ranks 11th in homers and 4th in RBIs league-wide.

    Carson Kelly

    • Batting .417 with 4 home runs, a double, a triple, and 11 walks .

    Michael Busch

    • Hitting .302 with 4 home runs, 5 doubles, and 5 walks .
    • On a 4-game hitting streak, including 3 home runs in his last five games.

    Nico Hoerner

    • Pacing the team with a .328 batting average .
    • Riding a 4-game hitting streak into this matchup.

    Padres Player Insights

    Fernando Tatis Jr.

    • Leading the Padres with a .354 batting average , 6 home runs, and 12 RBIs .
    • Ranks 2nd in homers and 20th in RBIs across MLB.
    • Has recorded a hit in 5 straight games , including 4 home runs in his last five outings.

    Manny Machado

    • Batting .313 with 2 home runs, 7 doubles, and 8 walks.

    Luis Arraez

    • Hitting .280 with 2 home runs and 3 doubles.

    Xander Bogaerts

    • Contributing with a .270 batting average, 5 doubles, and 9 walks.

    Recent Performances

    Chicago Cubs (Last 10 Games)

    • Record: 6-4
    • Runs Per Game: 5.9
    • ERA: 3.54
    • Key Win: Dominated the Dodgers 16-0 on April 12.

    San Diego Padres (Last 10 Games)

    • Record: 7-3
    • Runs Per Game: 4.7
    • ERA: 3.34
    • Key Streak: Won three straight games against the Rockies, outscoring them 16-0.

    Upcoming Schedule Preview

    Chicago Cubs

    • April 18-20: vs. Diamondbacks
    • April 22-23: vs. Dodgers

    San Diego Padres

    • April 18-20: @ Astros
    • April 21-22: @ Tigers

  • Cubs Land Reds Pitcher Nick Martinez in Blockbuster Trade Idea

    Cubs Land Reds Pitcher Nick Martinez in Blockbuster Trade Idea

    The Cubs are 11-7 to start 2025 and sitting on top of the NL Central, but that all came to a screeching halt when they found out that ace lefty Justin Steele will miss the rest of the season. With Steele out, the rotation is a big hole, and if the Cubs want to stay in the mix, they need to act fast.

    One solution? Trading for Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez. Newsweek’s Zach Pressnell recently proposed a trade idea that could bring Martinez to the North Side.

    Why Nick Martinez Makes Sense for the Cubs?

    Nick Martinez isn’t a name you know, but he’s a solid arm who can provide some stability to the Cubs’ rotation. He’s been shaky so far this season with a 6.06 ERA and 15 Ks in 16 1/3 IP, but he’s shown flashes throughout his career. Martinez has spent most of his MLB career as a reliever, but this year he’s been a starter and the Cubs hope that translates to consistent starts.

    For the Reds, trading Martinez isn’t a necessity. They already have a deep rotation. Carson Spiers and Andrew Abbott have been solid at the back end, Rhett Lowder is coming back from an injury soon and top prospect Chase Petty could be up here before long. With that much depth, Cincinnati might be willing to move Martinez if the right offer comes along.

    The Proposed Trade Package

    According to Pressnell, the Cubs can get Martinez for a package of three prospects: Kevin Alcantara, Fernando Cruz, and Jack Neely.

    • Kevin Alcantara: A highly touted outfielder with raw power and speed, Alcantara is the headliner of this deal. He’s an asset for the rebuilding Reds.
    • Fernando Cruz: A defensive catcher with a high floor, Cruz can handle a pitching staff.
    • Jack Neely: A young arm with upside, Neely adds depth to the Reds farm system and is a lottery ticket if he becomes a reliable MLB player.

    This package meets the Cubs needs now and the Reds needs later, so it’s a win-win—or so the proposal says.

    Martinez’s Fit in Chicago

    Martinez’s numbers this season don’t exactly scream ace, but he’s a veteran and versatile. The Cubs are a walk and steal team, they don’t rely on power. Adding a steady veteran like Martinez could help stabilize the rotation while the young arms adjust to the pennant race.

    Plus, Martinez has experience in the NL Central—a division of hitter friendly ballparks—so Wrigley Field shouldn’t be too much of a shock. If he can get some of that old form back he was a reliable option before, the Cubs might be in good shape to contend even without Steele.

  • Cubs Starter Leaves Dodgers Game with Injury

    Cubs Starter Leaves Dodgers Game with Injury

    The Chicago Cubs have had a tough weekend in LA as injuries continue to mount in the series against the Dodgers. They won 16-0 on Saturday, but at a cost. Sunday brought more bad news and now fans and the organization are worried about the depth of the roster.

    Seiya Suzuki Day-to-Day with Wrist Pain

    On Saturday night, Seiya Suzuki left the game with right wrist pain. Despite his absence, the Cubs won big. Manager Craig Counsell said after the game that Suzuki is day to day. They will monitor him closely as they get through this early part of the season.

    Suzuki’s injury forced Miguel Amaya into action, and he delivered by hitting his first homer of the year. Amaya has been a bright spot in an otherwise long list of injuries for the Cubs.

    Justin Steele Out for the Season After Tommy John Surgery

    The biggest news came Sunday when the Cubs announced that starting pitcher Justin Steele will have Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. That means he’s done for the 2025 season and the Cubs are going to have to fill a big hole in the rotation. Steele’s absence leaves a void that the Cubs need to fill fast if they want to stay in the National League Central.

    Carson Kelly Exits Game with Hand Contusion

    The injuries didn’t stop there. Sunday night, catcher Carson Kelly left the game in the bottom of the 6th inning after suffering a left hand contusion. According to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times, Kelly was hit in the hand on his last at-bat and was replaced by Miguel Amaya.

    Kelly has been one of the Cubs’ best hitters so far this season with a line of .417/.571/1.042, 4 HR, 13 RBI. Losing him, even for a little while, is a big blow to a lineup that relies on him so much.

    Amaya, who replaced Kelly, has shown some promise this season. He was batting .250/.273/.400 with 1 HR, 4 RBI before Sunday. But filling in for Kelly full time might be a big ask for the young catcher.

    Cubs Hang Tough Against Dodgers

    Despite the injuries the Cubs showed some grit Sunday and were up 3-2 going into the 8th. Justin Turner was the DH for Suzuki and brought some veteran stability to the lineup. Can the Cubs keep it going without their key guys?

  • Can the Cubs Break Through Against Red-Hot Dodgers at Home?

    Can the Cubs Break Through Against Red-Hot Dodgers at Home?

    The Dodgers are on fire, undefeated at home this season and 7-0 in their last 7 games. Saturday night they’ll put that streak to the test as they host the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium. Both teams are playing well but the Dodgers’ home field advantage might be the difference.

    Pitching Matchup: Who’s Got the Edge?

    Ben Brown will start for the Cubs and Roki Sasaki for the Dodgers. Brown has been rough so far this season with a 7.71 ERA and 2.23 WHIP and 15 K’s. Sasaki is still figuring things out in MLB with a 4.15 ERA and 2.08 WHIP in his first few starts.

    Neither pitcher has been great but the Dodgers’ offense might give Sasaki some room to breathe. The Cubs will need Brown to be good if they hope to cool off the hot Dodgers.

    Dodgers: Home Sweet Home

    The Dodgers are 7-0 at Dodger Stadium this season. Even when out-hit, they find ways to win (3-1 in those games). It’s a testament to their depth and toughness.

    Shohei Ohtani is still shining, and Teoscar Hernandez has been on a tear over the last 10 games (.342, 4 HR). If they keep rolling, they’re tough to beat.

    Cubs: Getting Hot

    The Cubs are one of the hottest teams in baseball, 7-3 in their last 10 and outscoring opponents by 37 runs in that span. Dansby Swanson has been big (4 HR), and Seiya Suzuki has been consistent (.395 over the last 10).

    Chicago’s offense loves walks and stolen bases, kind of like Craig Counsell’s old team in Milwaukee. But their bullpen has shown some cracks in high leverage situations, which could be a problem against the Dodgers’ lineup.

    Injury Updates: Key Absences for Both Teams

    Both teams are banged up. For the Dodgers, Blake Snell is out with a shoulder and Clayton Kershaw is still working his way back from toe surgery. The bullpen has taken a hit too with Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips on the IL.

    The Cubs aren’t faring much better with Justin Steele (elbow) and Javier Assad (oblique) out. These absences could impact both teams going into Saturday.

    Key Storylines to Watch

    • Dodgers at Home: Can the Cubs snap the Dodgers’ 7 game home winning streak?
    • Cubs’ Offense vs. Dodgers’ Pitching: Will the Cubs’ bats keep rolling against a Dodgers staff looking to prove themselves?
    • Rising Stars: Keep an eye on Teoscar Hernandez and Seiya Suzuki who are hot right now.
  • Seiya Suzuki Continues Baserunning Trend in Cubs’ 3-1 Win Over Padres

    Seiya Suzuki Continues Baserunning Trend in Cubs’ 3-1 Win Over Padres

    On a cold and windy day at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs relied on smart baserunning—and some clutch pitching—to scrape out a 3-1 win over the San Diego Padres. Seiya Suzuki’s hustle was the spark that really made that game shine. And it just goes to show: those little plays can add up.

    Suzuki’s Baserunning Magic Strikes Again

    That was on full display in the fifth inning. With two outs and the bases loaded, Justin Turner hit a grounder to Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Bogaerts dove to his right to make the play. His throw to second base was close-but not quite close enough. Suzuki slid in safely, extending the inning and putting the Cubs ahead.

    After the game, manager Craig Counsell talked about that kind of play. “It’s a play that makes you accountable to each other. You do it for each other,” he said. “That kind of play connects you to the guys you’re playing with. Because you’re doing it for your team.” That kind of teamwork—and Suzuki’s baserunning magic—really paid off for the Cubs.

    Ian Happ was quick to praise Suzuki’s instincts after scoring on the play. “That big lead and Suzuki’s speed—when he gets a good break on a pitch like that, he can really do some damage,” Happ said. “And when he beats that ball out, the game changes right then and there.”

    The inning didn’t end there. Dansby Swanson followed with a sharp ground ball to third baseman Manny Machado. Machado muffed the play—and another run scored. That was just another example of how the Cubs are capitalizing on opportunities this season.

    Baserunning is the unsung hero of the Cubs’ success

    Through just 10 games, they’ve scored six runs thanks to beating forceouts at second base. That’s a real testament to the guys’ work ethic—and their willingness to take risks. Pete Crow-Armstrong has been responsible for two of those plays, setting the tone for this scrappy style of baseball.

    Counsell points to those six runs as a key factor in their early-season success. “Ten games in, we’ve got six runs from beating forceouts at second base,” he said. “That’s a real credit to the guys. When you can make that kind of impact with some baserunning plays, I think the guys in there feel like it matters.”

    Jed Hoyer, the Cubs’ president of baseball operations, agrees. “Low-scoring games are where baserunning, stolen bases and errors really come into play,” he said. “Those little things—the ones that don’t always get the headlines—can swing a game. When you’re only up by two or three runs, those are the things that make all the difference.”

    The Cubs managed just three hits on Friday. But they capitalized on seven walks and their aggressive baserunning to secure the win.

    Imanaga Shines on the Mound

    Lefty Shota Imanaga threw his best game of his career, going 7⅓ and allowing just one run to the Padres. He retired the first eight batters he faced before Martin Maldonado homered in the third.

    “That was a big mistake,” Imanaga said after the game, referencing his earlier comment about using the Wrigley Field crowd noise as his alarm clock. “I feel like if I did that I would show up late to the field because I’d want to keep listening to the crowd.”

    Imanaga allowed four hits and zero walks, his first walk-free game of the season. The standing ovation he received when he left the game was well deserved—a testament to his dominance.

    Injury Updates: Assad and Brujan

    Craig Counsell gave updates on two injured players:

    • Javier Assad (left oblique strain): Threw two innings in extended spring training on Friday and will have a few more outings in Arizona before he starts a minor league rehab assignment.
    • Vidal Brujan (right elbow bruise): MRI was “nothing substantial” but symptoms, especially when throwing, are still lingering.
  • Cubs Minor League Opening Night Recap: Top Players and Highlights

    Cubs Minor League Opening Night Recap: Top Players and Highlights

    If you’re just joining us, I recap the Cubs’ minor league affiliates every night. My aim is to weave together the stories of the players with the stats that back them up. I want to shine a light on those top prospects who are really making a name for themselves—and give credit where credit is due to every player who puts in the work to make it to the majors.

    A quick note: you can find me on Bluesky at @joshftimmers.bsky.social for updates. I’ve actually scaled back my social media presence quite a bit. I still use that other site (you know the one) for breaking news, but only when I really need to. I don’t think it’s the same under new ownership.

    Let’s get into how the Cubs’ minor league teams did on Opening Night.

    Iowa Cubs: Rain Interrupts Action

    The Iowa Cubs and Indianapolis Indians were locked in a 3-3 tie when Mother Nature decided to make her presence felt. That was when the game was suspended due to rain. Tomorrow, we’ll see the game resume at 5:00 pm Eastern—before the regularly scheduled matchup begins at 6:35 pm Eastern.

    We’ll have more details after the game is over. Stay tuned for those updates.

    Knoxville Smokies: A Tale of Two Innings

    The Knoxville Smokies fell to the Birmingham Barons (White Sox) by a score of 6-4. That was largely thanks to a seventh-inning bullpen collapse.

    That collapse started with a solid foundation laid by starter Will Sanders. He gave up just one run on five hits over five innings. He walked one and struck out two. That set the stage for what could have been a Smokies win.

    But relief pitcher Cayne Ueckert struggled mightily in the seventh inning. He failed to retire a single batter. He gave up singles, walks and a triple that scored two runs. Ueckert’s final line: five runs allowed without recording an out. That really inflated his ERA.

    Third baseman Pedro Ramirez had a strong game despite the loss. He went 3-for-4 with an RBI single in the third inning and scored a run earlier in the second. Left fielder Jordan Nwogu contributed too, finishing 2-for-4 with an RBI single in the second inning.

    The Seventh Inning

    That seventh inning was where things really fell apart for the Smokies. Starter Will Sanders had handed the ball off to Cayne Ueckert with a one-run lead. Ueckert just couldn’t close the deal.

    The Bright Spots

    Pedro Ramirez and Jordan Nwogu were two of the Smokies’ brightest spots in an otherwise tough game. Both had multi-hit games and drove in runs.

    South Bend Cubs: Tough Loss Against Beloit

    The South Bend Cubs suffered a tough 7-0 loss to the Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins). That was a long, hard outing for the Cubs.

    Pitching Performance

    Jaxon Wiggins started on the mound and pitched admirably through 3.1 innings. He gave up two runs—one earned—on three hits. Wiggins struck out four but walked three and threw 65 pitches. Of those, 35 were strikes. That’s a good ratio.

    In the eighth, things fell apart for the Cubs’ relief pitchers. Yovanny Cabrera let three runs in on one hit and two walks over 1.2 innings. Angel Hernandez didn’t fare much better. He allowed two runs—and inherited runners—in just a third of an inning.

    Offense Struggles

    The Cubs managed just four hits—all singles. That’s not a lot of offense. One of the few bright spots was catcher Ariel Armas. He went 1-for-3 with a walk.

    Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Dominant Debut Performance

    The Myrtle Beach Pelicans made a statement in their season opener against the Charleston RiverDogs (Rays). A 13-2 victory was the result of some truly impressive debuts. And what debuts they were.

    Pitching Highlights

    Evan Aschenbeck, the 13th-round pick from last year, pitched like a pro from the get-go. Over four innings, he gave up just one unearned run on three hits. He struck out seven and didn’t walk a single batter.

    Cole Reynolds, another pro debutant, earned the win by throwing two scoreless innings. He allowed just one hit, walked one and fanned three.

    Explosive Offense

    That lineup, though, was the real star of the show. Several players really stood out.

    • Jose Escobar, the right fielder, was named Player of the Game. He went 4-for-6 with three runs scored and a two-run homer in the ninth. That was the icing on the cake.
    • Matt Halbach, the 10th-round pick who made his pro debut, homered and finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Michael Carico, the catcher, went 2-for-4 with a walk. He contributed a two-run double in the seventh and drove in three runs total.
    • Cole Mathis, the designated hitter, didn’t get a hit. But he drew four walks and scored three runs. That’s the kind of patience you want to see from your hitters.