INSIDER
Shōta Imanaga is looking forward to transition to the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs
Read full article: Shōta Imanaga is looking forward to transition to the major leagues with the Chicago CubsShōta Imanaga has been formally introduced by the Chicago Cubs a day after he finalized a $53 million, four-year contract.
Cards' Wainwright, Molina make record 325th start as battery
Read full article: Cards' Wainwright, Molina make record 325th start as batterySt. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina have made their 325th career start together, setting a major league record for most as a battery.
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.
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 Baltimore’s 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.
Rojas hits 3 home runs, Dbacks outslug Cubs in HR derby 10-6
Read full article: Rojas hits 3 home runs, Dbacks outslug Cubs in HR derby 10-6Josh Rojas launched his first three longballs of the season and the Arizona Diamondbacks powered past the Chicago Cubs 10-6 in a game of home run derby at Wrigley Field.
Acuña returns, Wright dominant again, Braves beat Cubs 5-1
Read full article: Acuña returns, Wright dominant again, Braves beat Cubs 5-1Ronald Acuña Jr. went 1 for 5 with two stolen bases in his return to the Braves lineup, but it was Kyle Wright who claimed a starring role, pitching three-hit ball over a career-high seven innings to give Atlanta a 5-1 win over the Cubs.
LEADING OFF: Opening day! Guardians debut, Ohtani and Braves
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Opening day! Guardians debut, Ohtani and BravesCubs veteran Kyle Hendricks is set to deliver the first pitch of the season against Corbin Burnes and Milwaukee at Wrigley Field just past 2:20 p.m. EDT, the first of seven games still on the calendar amid rainy forecasts across the country.
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 team’s 6-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates after they tested positive for COVID-19.
Pollock, Urías lead Dodgers past slumping Padres 5-2
Read full article: Pollock, Urías lead Dodgers past slumping Padres 5-2AJ Pollock hit a two-run single and robbed Manny Machado of a two-run homer to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers past the sinking San Diego Padres 5-2 in a series opener between NL West rivals headed in opposite directions.
Urías 5 extra-base hits, Piña 6 RBIs, Brewers rout Cubs 17-4
Read full article: Urías 5 extra-base hits, Piña 6 RBIs, Brewers rout Cubs 17-4Luis Urías tied a major league record with five extra-base hits and Manny Piña drove in six runs, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a 17-4 romp over the Chicago Cubs.
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.
LEADING OFF: Local rivalries, Phils vs Mets for NL East lead
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Local rivalries, Phils vs Mets for NL East leadIn-state interleague matchups take center stage in several locales Friday as the Chicago White Sox play the Cubs in a Wrigley Field matinee, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Angels, and the Kansas City Royals visit the St. Louis Cardinals.
Bellinger's blunder in 8th helps Giants top Dodgers 2-1
Read full article: Bellinger's blunder in 8th helps Giants top Dodgers 2-1Buster Posey scored the tiebreaking run on a throwing error by first baseman Cody Bellinger in the eighth inning, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1.
LEADING OFF: All-Star pitchers, Schwarber sidelined
Read full article: LEADING OFF: All-Star pitchers, Schwarber sidelinedThe Mets’ Jacob deGrom, Milwaukee’s Brandon Woodruff, Texas’ Kyle Gibson and the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole are among those likely to picked as All-Stars when pitchers and reserves are announced.
Brewers score 10 in 8th, beat Cubs 14-4 for 6th straight win
Read full article: Brewers score 10 in 8th, beat Cubs 14-4 for 6th straight winWilly Adames and Keston Hiura each hit a three-run homer during a 10-run outburst in the eighth inning that lifted the Milwaukee Brewers a 14-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs.
LEADING OFF: Franco debut, Kershaw vs Snell, Hendricks hot
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Franco debut, Kershaw vs Snell, Hendricks hotWander Franco, a 20-year-old infielder considered the best prospect in the minor leagues, is set to make his major league debut for the Tampa Bay Rays against the visiting Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night.
LEADING OFF: Franco debut, Cole focus, Hendricks streak
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Franco debut, Cole focus, Hendricks streakWander Franco, a 20-year-old infielder considered the best prospect in the minor leagues, was set to make his major league debut for the Tampa Bay Rays against the visiting Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night.
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.
Pederson, Rizzo, Contreras homer as Cubs beat Cardinals 8-5
Read full article: Pederson, Rizzo, Contreras homer as Cubs beat Cardinals 8-5Joc Pederson homered and drove in three runs, Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras went deep and the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-5 on Friday afternoon.
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 didn’t get through the fifth in the nightcap, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 to sweep a split doubleheader.
Freeman, Braves pound Cubs 13-4, lose Acuña to injury
Read full article: Freeman, Braves pound Cubs 13-4, lose Acuña to injuryFreddie Freeman crushed one of Atlanta’s four homers in the first inning against Kyle Hendricks, leading the Braves to a potentially costly 13-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs.
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 wasn’t feeling well.
Sigh and Cy: Bieber tagged, Bauer sharp in Dodgers debut
Read full article: Sigh and Cy: Bieber tagged, Bauer sharp in Dodgers debutBieber bounced back with a pair of strikeouts, but Nick Heath hit a single to put the Royals up 3-0. DODGERS 10, ROCKIES 0 (6 INNINGS)Trevor Bauer, pitching for the first time since signing a $102 million, three-year contract, debuted in Dodger blue with two scoreless innings. Jameson Taillon followed with a scoreless inning. CUBS 1, PADRES 0 (7)Chicago starter Kyle Hendricks struck out two in two scoreless innings. BREWERS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 1 (8)Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta each threw a scoreless inning for Milwaukee before Jordan Zimmermann gave up a run.
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 – 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.
Hoyer insists Cubs plan to compete after dealing Darvish
Read full article: Hoyer insists Cubs plan to compete after dealing DarvishHoyer insisted the Chicago Cubs are taking a different approach this time. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)CHICAGO – Jed Hoyer insists this time won't be like 2011 for the Chicago Cubs. Along the way, Cubs fans endured a painful rebuild that included a 101-loss 2012 season. “We know that we're coming to the end of this group of players — a wildly successful, franchise-changing run with this group of players,” Hoyer said. "We haven't gotten extensions, and as a result, there are contractual realities to how long we control some of these players,” Hoyer said.
Cash's bullpen blunder joins Little, others in playoff lore
Read full article: Cash's bullpen blunder joins Little, others in playoff loreAaron Boone hit a game-ending leadoff homer in the 11th, sending New York to the World Series. 2015 WORLD SERIES GAME 5Matt Harvey and the New York Mets held a 2-0 lead, needing a win to send the Series back to Kansas City. 2016 WORLD SERIES GAME 7The Chicago Cubs led the Cleveland Indians 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth. 2019 WORLD SERIES GAME 7Too bad for Houston fans, the last time they saw Gerrit Cole throw, it was in the bullpen rather than on the mound. “I wasn’t going to pitch him unless we were going to win the World Series and have a lead,” Hinch said.
Dickerson homers as Marlins beat Cubs 5-1 in playoff opener
Read full article: Dickerson homers as Marlins beat Cubs 5-1 in playoff opener(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO – The Miami Marlins just kept fighting. Corey 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. Yu Darvish starts for the Central champion Cubs, and rookie right-hander Sixto Sánchez get the ball for upstart Miami. “It’s going to be great.”Darvish is making his first playoff appearance since signing with Chicago before the 2018 season.
LEADING OFF: Wild, 8-game day opens with Bauer vs Fried
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Wild, 8-game day opens with Bauer vs Fried(AP Photo/Aaron Doster)A look at what's happening around the majors Wednesday:___CRAZY EIGHTHow’s this for wild: MLB is set to stage eight postseason games on the same day for the first time. National League clubs will open their best-of-three wild-card series, while four American League teams are already facing elimination after starting Tuesday. With the expansion of the first round from a pair of wild-card games to eight best-of-three series, there are a maximum 65 possible postseason games this year. In the 1960s, there were 66 postseason games in the entire decade, with league championship series starting in 1969. Dallas Keuchel (6-2, 1.99 ERA) starts Game 2 following a successful first season with Chicago.
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 Stallings’ third home run of the season and the third game-ending hit of his career. Anthony Rizzo’s 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.
White Sox beat Twins 4-3 to clinch playoff spot
Read full article: White Sox beat Twins 4-3 to clinch playoff spotChicago White Sox's Jose Abreu (79) and Eloy Jimenez celebrate the team's 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins in baseball game Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Chicago. The White Sox clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)CHICAGO – After clinching a postseason berth for the first time since 2008, the Chicago White Sox were low key during their on-field celebration. The White Sox assured themselves of no worse than a wild-card berth. White Sox: RHP Jonathan Stiever (0-0, 2.45 ERA) starts the opener of a three-game series Friday night at Cincinnati.
LEADING OFF: O's rookie Kremer takes on Yanks, Wheeler out
Read full article: LEADING OFF: O's rookie Kremer takes on Yanks, Wheeler outBaltimore Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer delivers against the New York Yankees during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, in Baltimore, Md. Kremer limited the Yankees to one hit, struck out seven and retired 14 of his final 15 batters. NAILEDRookie right-hander Spencer Howard will replace Zack Wheeler as the Phillies’ starter in Game 4 of their seven-game series at Miami. Wheeler ripped a fingernail putting on his pants Wednesday, delaying his next start until at least Monday and perhaps longer. While some teams have started a lineup in which all batters hit from the left side the first time up, all previous occasions since 1901 included at least one switch-hitter.
Arcia, Hiura power Brewers over Cubs 6-5
Read full article: Arcia, Hiura power Brewers over Cubs 6-5Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader signals with catcher Manny Pina (9) after a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, in Chicago (AP Photo/Matt Marton)CHICAGO Keston Hiura and Orlando Arcia homered, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 6-5 on Sunday for their third straight win against the NL Central leaders. The Cubs struck out 53 times during the four-game set. Brewers starter Josh Lindblom also struggled, allowing five runs in five-plus innings. In the fifth, Urias led off with a triple and Arcia followed with a two-run homer to put the Brewers on top 5-3. HOMECOMINGBefore traveling to Minnesota for a three-game series beginning Tuesday night, the Brewers were planning to return home Sunday 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.
LEADING OFF: Marlins back in action, Ohtani on the shelf
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Marlins back in action, Ohtani on the shelfManager Don Mattingly said he has never spoken with some of the players joining the team. With only about eight weeks left in the season, Ohtani might not pitch again until 2021. Ohtani reported discomfort in his arm Sunday after struggling through his second start since having Tommy John surgery in 2018. HAPPY BIRTHDAYKansas City right-hander Brady Singer makes his third major league start on his 24th birthday at Wrigley Field. Luzardo made six appearances as a September callup last season and made two appearances out of the bullpen this season.
LEADING OFF: Marlins back in action, Ohtani on the shelf
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Marlins back in action, Ohtani on the shelfWith only about eight weeks left in the season, Ohtani might not pitch again until 2021. Ohtani reported discomfort in his arm Sunday after struggling through his second start since having Tommy John surgery in 2018. Betts sat out Monday with swelling on a finger on his left hand that manager Dave Roberts described as substantial. HAPPY BIRTHDAYKansas City right-hander Brady Singer makes his third major league start on his 24th birthday at Wrigley Field. Just shy of his 23rd birthday, Luzardo will be the youngest starter for the As since Brett Anderson in 2010.
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.
MLB returns with thrills; red flags remain after 1st weekend
Read full article: MLB returns with thrills; red flags remain after 1st weekendThe 60-game sprint started with a bang thunder, actually, along with a torrential downpour in the rain-shortened opener between the Yankees and Nationals. Now is when people will finally listen, explained Stanton, a Black slugger with the New York Yankees who plans to kneel throughout the season. Made it interesting.Lastly, MLB unveiled another modification hours before first pitch, expanding the postseason from 10 teams to 16. The news Sunday of potential outbreaks with the Reds and Marlins was a reminder of how fragile the season could be. If 10 or 15 or 25 guys do it and the rest are messing around, it can mess everything up.
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.