#chicago-cubs

#chicago-cubs

Tonight, in the top of the fifth inning against the Braves, Javier Báez hit a groundball to short and started off for first base. When he got close, for some reason, he slid into the bag. But his slide was WAY too late, so his leg got jammed up on the base.

Phil Maton was placed on the injured list on April 8 with right knee tendinitis. Before his stint on the IL, the righty appeared in five games with the Cubs and pitched to a 13.50 ERA (6 ER/4.0 IP) with five strikeouts and four walks.

The Chicago Cubs won their 8th straight last night ... a game that concluded with an overturned call using the Automated Balls and Strikes system.

Colin Rea shut down the Phillies Monday night, allowing just 1 run in 6.2 innings to lift the Cubs to their sixth straight win. It was only the second start of the season for Rea, who worked behind an opener in Philadelphia his last time out and has also served in a long relief role.

Daniel Palencia, 26, is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA with one save in five relief appearances this season. He has allowed just three hits in 5.0 innings pitched and notched five strikeouts.

Kelly was at it again last night, taking a two strike pitch WAY out to center field to turn what had become an uncomfortably close game into more of a blowout.

The Cubs project Giolito, 31, as more of a back-of-the-rotation starter, and the fact that he missed all of spring training and at least part of April might further temper expectations.

Jefferson Rojas has his 2nd HR of 2026! He is 6-for-16 with 3 XHB and 6 RBI to begin his season.

The Dugout is the largest and most elaborate study in oil that Rockwell made for one of his most recognisable Saturday Evening Post covers. The image is partly credited with popularising the team's reputation as the 'lovable losers.'

The Cubs won 73 of the 114 games they were the moneyline favorite last season, achieving a success rate of 64%. In contrast, the Angels won 18 of the 38 games they were the moneyline favorite, translating to a 47.4% success rate.

First baseman Michael Busch resumes his role as the leadoff batter against righties, followed by Alex Bregman at third base and Ian Happ in left. Pete Crow-Armstrong plays center and bats cleanup, then it's Nico Hoerner at second, Carson Kelly catching, and Moises Ballesteros behind the plate.

Forbes has the Cubs worth an even $5 billion, up 9% from last year. They are the 4th most valuable club in baseball, behind the Yankees ($8.5 billion), Dodgers ($7.8 billion), and Red Sox ($5.25 billion.

Moisés Ballesteros dazzled in the Cactus League, amassing an incredible 1.056 OPS with a pair of homers and 10 runs driven in. He looked comfortable and played within himself during that time.