The Chicago Cubs currently hold a 41-37 record following a 9-6 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night. The last 24 hours showcased a strong offensive performance. However, a season-altering injury to starting pitcher Edward Cabrera dampened it.
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MLB Game Recap
The Cubs defeated the Mets 9-6 at Citi Field. They used a five-run second inning to chase New York starter Kodai Senga early. Pete Crow-Armstrong sparked the rally with a 409-foot three-run home run. Dansby Swanson added a two-run shot in the fourth to extend the lead. The game turned somber in the fifth inning. Edward Cabrera injured his left leg while covering first base for the final out.
Standout Performer
Dansby Swanson: 2-for-3, 1 HR, 1 2B, 4 RBI, 1 R, 1 SF. Swanson broke a significant slump. He drove in four runs. These provided critical insurance runs for a bullpen that surrendered three runs in the final three frames.
Key News & Notes
Edward Cabrera will undergo an MRI on Wednesday for a left hamstring/adductor strain. He is expected to join four other Cubs starters on the Injured List. Veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd is anticipated to be activated on Thursday. He struck out seven in a four-inning rehab start for Double-A South Bend. Manager Craig Counsell was ejected in the seventh inning. He argued a controversial replay reversal on a Pete Crow-Armstrong slide at second base.
Farm Report
- Triple-A Iowa: Moisés Ballesteros (2-for-4, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 1 SF) in an 11-10 loss to Buffalo.
- Double-A Knoxville Smokies: Andy Garriola (3-for-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 R) in a 5-3 victory over Birmingham. Garriola’s multi-hit effort helped the Smokies maintain momentum after recently clinching a first-half playoff spot.
- High-A South Bend: Jose Escobar went 4-for-4 with 1 HR, 2 2B, 3 RBI, and 1 R. This performance contributed to a 6-2 win over Quad Cities. Escobar recorded a perfect night at the plate with three extra-base hits to lead an 11-hit South Bend attack.
- Single-A Myrtle Beach: Logan Poteet (3-for-5, 1 HR, 1 3B, 2 RBI, 2 R) in a 7-2 win against Salem. Poteet fell just a double short of the cycle and continues to provide significant power from the catcher position.
- ACL Cubs: F. Cruz (2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 3B, 3 RBI, 1 R) in a 6-4 loss to the ACL Giants. Cruz produced nearly all of the team’s offense with two extra-base hits and three runs batted in.
Deep Dive: Cubs’ Pitching Crisis
The Chicago Cubs’ pitching staff has reached a breaking point. This follows the injury to Edward Cabrera. He was carted off the field on Tuesday with a left hamstring/adductor strain. Cabrera’s impending move to the Injured List is imminent. He joins a growing list of sidelined starters. This list includes Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and Matthew Boyd. Manager Craig Counsell admitted the team is in a “rough spot.” He noted that managing the rotation until the All-Star break will be a “puzzle.”
Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations, confirmed that pitching is the front office’s primary focus. He stated this on Tuesday morning as the team heads toward the trade deadline. However, Hoyer indicated that significant transactions are unlikely before the All-Star break. Many teams remain undecided on whether to buy or sell. Justin Steele’s status further complicates the internal situation. Hoyer noted it is “unrealistic” for Steele to return as a starter this season. He suggested Steele may only contribute in “shorter bursts” out of the bullpen.
The only reprieve for the staff is the anticipated return of Matthew Boyd. Boyd is expected to be activated on Thursday against the Mets. Boyd recently finished a dominant four-inning rehab start. He struck out seven at Double-A South Bend and met every requirement set by the medical staff. The Cubs have five starting pitchers currently on the shelf. They must rely on a patchwork group including Ben Brown, Shota Imanaga, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad. This is necessary to remain competitive in a dense National League Wild Card race.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs face the Mets in a day-night doubleheader on Wednesday to make up for Monday’s rainout. Javier Assad (5-1, 3.89 ERA) is scheduled to start the opener against Nolan McLean, while Shota Imanaga (4-6, 4.26 ERA) will take the mound in the nightcap against Sean Manaea.
The Cubs’ offense finally provided the fireworks fans expected. However, mounting injuries in the rotation might force Jed Hoyer’s hand earlier than he’d like.
