The Chicago Cubs currently hold a 19-12 record and sit in second place in the NL Central. The team enjoyed a quiet Thursday off-day. They had clinched a high-stakes series victory in San Diego. This marked the conclusion of their April road trip.
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MLB Game Recap
The Chicago Cubs edged the Padres 5-4 in Wednesday’s series finale. It was a “clutch-your-chest” finish. This victory secured a 4-2 road trip record. Jameson Taillon anchored the win with a strong veteran performance (7.0 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, 6 K, 1 BB), providing vital length for a bullpen that narrowly held off a late San Diego rally. Hoby Milner eventually recorded the final out. He became the fifth different Cubs reliever to earn a save this season. The team continues to shuffle its depleted relief corps.
Standout Performer
Moises Ballesteros is the standout performer on the off day. Ballesteros leads the Chicago Cubs with a .338 batting average with five home runs, five doubles, and 16 RBI. The rookie has played in 27 games for the Cubs. In Matthew Boyd’s most recent start, Ballesteros was his battery mate. Cubs Manager Craig Counsell is finding more ways to get him in the lineup daily. Ballesteros is quickly becoming a fan favorite among Cubs fans.
Key News & Notes
The Chicago Cubs received a potential boost. Closer Daniel Palencia (lat strain) may skip a rehab assignment. He could return for today’s series opener. However, the rotation suffered a “doomsday” blow. Ace Justin Steele was shut down for at least a month. This was due to a flexor strain setback in his UCL recovery. Furthermore, Riley Martin is facing an eight-week recovery for a similar strain. Dansby Swanson remains day-to-day with a glute injury.
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Farm Report
- Triple-A Iowa Cubs: Jonathon Long went 2-for-4 with an RBI single in a 3-1 loss to the St. Paul Saints; the offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities, leaving eight runners on base.
- Double-A Tennessee Smokies: Ed Howard finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. He led the Smokies to a 6-1 nightcap win over Rocket City. This secured a doubleheader split.
- High-A South Bend Cubs: Leonel Espinoza was a bright spot. He went 2-for-2 with a home run and a double. However, it was an otherwise quiet 6-1 loss to the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
- Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Alexey Lumpuy went 2-for-4. He hit a two-run double to propel the Pelicans to their third straight win. They achieved a 4-2 victory over the Columbia Fireflies.
Looking Ahead
The Chicago Cubs return to Wrigley Field today to host the Arizona Diamondbacks (16-14) at 2:20 p.m. ET. Right-hander Colin Rea (3-1, 4.61 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound against Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen (1-1, 3.14 ERA).
The rotation is holding steady. However, the bullpen is in “absolute tatters.” Getting Palencia back today might be the only thing keeping this successful start on track.
