The Chicago Cubs currently hold a 54-43 record. They sit six games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central standings. Over the last 24 hours, the major league club dropped its series opener to Minnesota. Meanwhile, the organization processed multiple roster moves and injury activation’s across the farm system.
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MLB Game Recap
The Cubs fell 5-2 to the Twins on Friday night at Wrigley Field. This came after Ryan Jeffers’ three-run home run in the third inning gave Minnesota a lead they would not relinquish. Starting pitcher Colin Rea suffered the loss despite striking out six batters over six innings. He allowed three earned runs on five hits. Chicago’s offense was unable to overcome a 1-for-10 performance with runners in scoring position. As a result, they left six runners stranded in the defeat.
Standout Performer
Michael Busch gave Chicago an early lead. He lined an RBI single in the first inning. This hit scored Pete Crow-Armstrong. Busch finished the night 1-for-4 with an RBI. He officially reached 50 RBIs on the season.
Key News & Notes
The Cubs officially reinstated Phil Maton from the 15-day injured list on Friday and designated Jake Woodford for assignment. Manager Craig Counsell also clarified the rotation status of Jameson Taillon. He stated that the right-hander will return from his hamstring injury soon. The expected return is during the upcoming series against the Detroit Tigers. The club assigned several recent draft picks on the transaction wire. These include Luke Alwood and Cade Townsend. They were sent to the Arizona Complex League.
Farm Report
- AAA Iowa: Lost 10-9 to Memphis. Owen Ayers made a strong Triple-A debut. He finished 3-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base.
- AA Knoxville: Lost 5-1 to Montgomery; Luis Martinez-Gomez returned from the 60-day IL to throw 4.0 innings of one-run ball with two strikeouts.
- High-A South Bend: Lost 9-3 to Peoria; Mason McGwire settled the game in relief, pitching 4.0 innings while allowing just one run and striking out four.
- Single-A Myrtle Beach: Lost 9-1 to Kannapolis. Eli Lovich drove in the lone run for the Pelicans. He went 1-for-4. The team was limited to four total hits in the game.
- ACL Cubs: Won 11-6 over the ACL Reds. Lugo went 2-for-4 with a home run. He also hit a double and had three RBIs.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs continue their series against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Matthew Boyd (5-1, 4.50 ERA) is slated to start against Twins right-hander Taj Bradley.
Phil Maton is back. Jameson Taillon is nearing his return. The Cubs’ pitching depth is finally beginning to heal at a critical point in the season. What do you think?
