The Chicago Cubs narrowly defeated the White Sox 5-4 in a tense game highlighted by a crucial, unconventional play involving smart baserunning and a key performance by pitcher Andrew Brown and player Nico Hoerner, who was named Player of the Game for his offensive and defensive contributions.
The Chicago Cubs secured an 8-3 victory over the Miami Marlins, becoming the first team in the NL Central to reach 12 wins. Nico Hoerner shone with a strong offensive performance, while Jameson Taillon made an impressive 2024 debut on the mound. Despite a potential injury to Ian Happ, the Cubs showcased a solid all-around performance, with key contributions from Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson, and Mike Tauchman at the plate.
The Chicago Cubs beat the Dodgers in a tense game, extending their winning streak to five games and tying with the Red Sox for the longest active streak in MLB. Michael Busch and Nico Hoerner made key defensive plays, with Busch also hitting his first Cubs homer. The Cubs didn't use top relievers Mark Leiter Jr. or Hector Neris, thanks to Drew Smyly's strong performance. The Cubs' minor league season kicked off with notable performances, and die-hard Cubs fan Beau Thompson was gifted a custom-made card to celebrate collecting one million unique Chicago Cubs cards.
The Chicago Cubs are preparing for the possibility of not having Cody Bellinger in their lineup, despite signing him to a one-year contract. Hitting coach Dustin Kelly supervised Bellinger's offseason program and the team is hopeful for his return. Meanwhile, the Cubs are looking to Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, and other young talents to step up and contribute offensively. Manager Craig Counsell is expected to maximize the team's lineup options, and the Cubs are confident in their offensive capabilities even without Bellinger.
At the Cubs' Spring Training kick-off press conference, there were multiple questions about Cody Bellinger's potential return to the team, with players like Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, and Pete Crow-Armstrong expressing support for him. Happ emphasized that Bellinger's situation is not uncommon, while Hoerner and Crow-Armstrong both expressed their desire to have him back on the team. Bellinger's potential impact on the team's lineup and the positive sentiment towards him within the organization were highlighted.
The MLB Draft is set to begin tonight with the Cubs picking 13th; Dansby Swanson hopes to recover from a heel contusion quickly; Drew Smyly attributes his recent struggles to not throwing enough strikes; Cubs teammates believe Nico Hoerner should have been named an All-Star; Javier Assad has been performing well in his long relief role; B.J. Murray Jr. and Pete Crow-Armstrong had unremarkable performances in the Futures Game; Brailyn Marquez has made two relief appearances at Low-A Myrtle Beach; Owen Caissie turned 21; Shohei Ohtani continues to impress with his home run hitting.
The Chicago Cubs secured a season-high five-game winning streak with a 3-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Wrigley Field. Justin Steele returned from the injured list and held the Orioles to two runs in five innings. The Cubs executed timely small ball effectively, with Nico Hoerner's two-run double and a sacrifice fly by Mike Tauchman. The Cubs will go into Sunday's series finale against the Orioles with a chance at completing back-to-back sweeps for the first time this season.
The Chicago Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants 3-2 in a game where Marcus Stroman once again proved to be the key to their success. Nico Hoerner came off the bench to deliver the clutch hit in the 7th inning, while Tucker Barnhart added an insurance run. Adbert Alzolay got the save and cruised through the game.
Nico Hoerner's return to the Cubs lineup after a minor hamstring injury was a success, as he went 3-for-6 with four RBIs in a 10-1 rout of the Phillies. Marcus Stroman allowed just one run and four hits over six innings, while Christopher Morel hit his sixth home run in his ninth game with the Cubs. The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Cubs and moved them within four games of first place in the N.L. Central.
Nico Hoerner's return to the Cubs lineup has been a game changer, with his thoughtful hitting and ability to spark the team. Christopher Morel hit his sixth homer of the season, tying him with Pete Alonso for the most in pro baseball so far this year. Nick Burdi's fastball and slider were both hitting high RPMs, making him a valuable asset for the Cubs. Cubs prospects Owen Caissie and Pete Crow-Armstrong have both been dealing with injuries, but their potential is highly anticipated.
Nico Hoerner returns from the injured list and helps the Cubs end their five-game losing streak with a 10-1 victory over the Phillies. Hoerner's two-run double in the second inning ignites the offense, and he finishes the game with three hits and four RBIs. The Cubs also make some necessary roster moves, sending Keegan Thompson to Triple-A Iowa and designating Eric Hosmer for assignment. Despite the recent struggles, Cubs manager David Ross insists that this is not a shake-up and that the team is still in a good place mentally and cohesively.
The Chicago Cubs have activated Nico Hoerner from the injured list and designated Eric Hosmer for assignment, while selecting the contract of outfielder Mike Tauchman and recalling infielder Edwin Ríos. The Cubs have also placed Cody Bellinger on the 10-day injured list and optioned Keegan Thompson to AAA Iowa. Hosmer's performance was underwhelming on the North Side, registering just a 67 OPS+ with five extra-base hits and 14 driven in across 31 games. The return of Nico Hoerner is welcome news for Cubs fans, as the infielder got off to a torrid start in 2023.
The Chicago Cubs have activated Nico Hoerner from the injured list and placed Cody Bellinger on the 10-day injured list with a left knee contusion. The Cubs also designated Eric Hosmer for assignment and made several other roster moves. The team has struggled since Hoerner's injury and hopes his return will provide a boost.
The Chicago Cubs have placed second baseman Nico Hoerner on the 10-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain. Utility player Miles Mastrobuoni was recalled from Triple-A Iowa to take his spot on the active roster. The Cubs have deployed Hoerner at the top of the lineup, but since he came up with the hamstring issue, Nick Madrigal and Christopher Morel have gotten some looks at second base and in the leadoff spot.
The Chicago Cubs have placed Nico Hoerner on the 10-day Injured List due to a strained left hamstring. Christopher Morel is expected to fill in for Hoerner during his absence. The Cubs have also optioned Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa and are bringing up Miles Mastrobuoni and activating Brandon Hughes from the 15-day Injured List. Mastrobuoni has been having his best minor league season yet, while Hughes gives the Cubs a lefty option in the bullpen.