Chicago Cubs News & Notes 05/21/2026

The Chicago Cubs currently hold a 29-21 record after a difficult series. In the last 24 hours, the team faced a challenge at Wrigley Field. They suffered a disappointing 5-0 shutout loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

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MLB Game Recap

Milwaukee 5, Chicago 0. Sloppy play led to the Cubs’ ninth loss in 11 games as the Brewers completed the series sweep. Starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (3 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 K, 61 pitches) struggled with command. He exited with a blister. The bullpen followed with six innings of one-run relief. The game’s momentum shifted in the second. Pete Crow-Armstrong made an error. This mistake allowed David Hamilton to circle the bases for a three-run “Little League home run”.

Standout Performer

Nico Hoerner. Line: 1-for-4, 1 2B. On a night when the offense managed just two hits, Hoerner provided the lone extra-base hit with a second-inning double. Defensively, he showed elite range with a signature jump throw. This move reinforced his status as a top defender with 9 Outs Above Average this season.

Key News & Notes

Edward Cabrera left Wednesday’s start due to a blister on his right middle finger. He has managed this injury throughout the season. While Cabrera remains optimistic about making his next start, manager Craig Counsell is in “wait-and-see” mode. Front office rumors suggest the team is monitoring recently released reliever Matt Bowman, who posted a 1.69 ERA in Triple-A this year.

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Farm Report

  • Triple-A: Iowa Cubs 3, Memphis Redbirds 2. Kevin Alcántara: 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 K. Alcántara hit a crucial home run in the seventh inning. This helped snap a long losing streak.
  • Double-A: Montgomery Biscuits 6, Knoxville Smokies 5. Ed Howard: He went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI, a run, a stolen base, and a strikeout. Howard provided a spark in a rain-delayed one-run loss.
  • High-A: South Bend Cubs 3, West Michigan 1. Alfredo Romero: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 67 pitches; Romero dominated early in a successful High-A debut.
  • Low-A: Kannapolis 7, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 0. Josiah Hartshorn: 2-for-4, 1 2B, 1 K; Hartshorn accounted for half of the Pelicans’ hits in a shutout loss.
  • ACL: ACL D-backs 9, ACL Cubs 8. Lugo went 3-for-4 with one home run and one double. He drove in three runs, scored two runs, and stole a base. Lugo led the offense with a monster three-run home run.

Looking Ahead

The Cubs have a scheduled off-day today. This break offers them time to regroup. They will open a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Spencer Arrighetti (5-1, 1.50 ERA) is the probable starter for the visiting Astros.

The Cubs are in a funk, but the off-day comes at the right time. What do you think?

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