Before Saturday’s game with the Cardinals, Ross gave positive updates on Matt Duffy (low back strain), David Bote (dislocated left shoulder) and Nico Hoerner (left hamstring strain) but did not offer a timeline for any of their returns.
The Cubs’ infield has been hit badly by injuries. But maybe they’re making progress toward getting healthier.
Before Saturday’s game with the Cardinals, Cubs manager David Ross gave positive updates on Matt Duffy (low back strain), David Bote (dislocated left shoulder) and Nico Hoerner (left hamstring strain) but did not offer a timeline for any of their returns. Duffy, Ross said, is leading the group and could be close to a rehab assignment. Bote has taken light two-handed swings in the batting cage. And Hoerner is continuing to work and gain strength.
“Everybody’s doing well,” Ross said.
What happens when everybody comes back is another question. The Cubs have gotten by despite the injuries, as players like Patrick Wisdom have stepped up and helped keep the team afloat.
How to play everybody, though, is the definition of a good problem to have.
“Depth is extremely important,” Ross said. “The more good players you have, the better.”
Wisdom, who was not in the starting lineup, entered Saturday with eight home runs in 48 at-bats.
Full house
Saturday was the second game the Cubs were able to host 100% of Wrigley Field’s capacity. Joc Pederson appreciated the experience Friday being able to play in front of a full stadium of Cubs fans for the first time this year.
“It’s pretty special,” Pederson said. “It’s been a long time waiting to play in front of Wrigley’s full capacity. It was one to remember for sure. That [Anthony] Rizzo at-bat was one of the better at-bats I’ve seen live in-person. That was a really cool moment.”
It sounds like Pederson is making a connection with the fans in left field.
“Left field, they’re pretty rowdy out there, so it’s fun,” Pederson said. “It’s a good group out there, and just enjoying my time.”
Roster moves
The Cubs recalled right-hander Trevor Megill from Triple-A Iowa and optioned fellow righty Kohl Stewart to Iowa.
Megill, who was placed on the 10-day injured list April 30 with a right forearm strain, has pitched in two games for the Cubs this season and hasn’t allowed a run in two innings. In five appearances at Iowa, Megill has a 9.00 ERA.
Stewart is 1-1 with a 5.68 ERA in three starts with the Cubs this year.
Steele update
Ross said reliever Justin Steele (right hamstring strain) is continuing to strengthen his hamstring and will have a bullpen in the next day or two.
“Everything seems to be on the up and up and moving in the right direction,” Ross said.
Briefly...
For the first time since April 20, Kris Bryant started at third base. Even more than ever, Bryant’s versatility has been a handy tool for the Cubs. Other than third, he’s started eight games at first base, 12 in left field, eight in center and 15 in right.
* Zach Davies will start Sunday against the Cardinals’ Carlos Martinez. The Cubs had not formally announced their starter for Sunday’s game until about three hours before the beginning of Saturday’s contest.
from Chicago Sun-Times - All https://ift.tt/3iCPU8k
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