The Chicago Cubs (35-34) finally found offensive life at Coors Field, snapping a three-game skid with a power-heavy road victory. The club exorcised recent demons by winning 9-3 over the Rockies. The victory was highlighted by a Seiya Suzuki grand slam and a fiery ejection of manager Craig Counsell.
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MLB Game Recap
The Cubs avoided a sweep in Colorado. They won 9-3, driven by a four-run fourth inning and three total home runs. Starter Edward Cabrera earned the win with 5.1 innings of two-run ball. Seiya Suzuki’s grand slam and Alex Bregman’s two-run homer provided the necessary cushion. The bullpen allowed just one run over the final 3.2 innings. A significant turning point occurred in the sixth. Craig Counsell was ejected for arguing a missed foul ball call. This ejection resulted in a momentum-killing double play.
Standout Performer
Seiya Suzuki led the charge, finishing 1-for-4 with a grand slam, four RBIs, and one run scored. His 400-foot blast down the left-field line in the fourth inning broke a 1-1 tie. It marked his first grand slam since last September. The performance gave the offense a much-needed spark. Previously, the team had scored three or fewer runs in seven of its previous nine games.
Key News & Notes
The primary concern for Chicago is a new setback for veteran Matthew Boyd. He is dealing with “lingering soreness” in his left shoulder after a bullpen session. This news comes after the recent loss of Jameson Taillon. He is expected to remain on the 15-day injured list with a hamstring strain until after the All-Star break. In a minor housekeeping move, manager Craig Counsell was ejected in the sixth inning. It was his first ejection as Cubs manager. This provided a rare emotional spark for a squad that has struggled with inconsistency.
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Farm Report
- AAA Iowa Cubs: Kevin Alcántara went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI. He provided one of the few highlights in a massive 20-3 loss to the Louisville Bats. Iowa’s pitching surrendered 21 hits.
- AA Knoxville Smokies: Hayden Cantrelle went 2-for-3. He had 2 walks, 3 RBIs, 2 runs, and 2 stolen bases. He powered a 14-5 victory over the Montgomery Biscuits. The Smokies’ offense exploded for 16 hits.
- High-A South Bend Cubs: Josiah Hartshorn (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI) hammered his sixth home run in just 15 games. This happened during a 16-7 rain-shortened defeat against Peoria.
- Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Michael Carico went 3-for-5 with a home run and a double. He had 4 RBIs and scored 2 runs in an 11-7 win over Augusta. He racked up seven total bases.
- ACL Cubs: The rookie-level squad was shut out 5-0 by the ACL Giants. The lineup combined for 16 strikeouts. They had only five total hits.
Deep Dive: Matthew Boyd’s injury setback is an ominous tale Cubs know all too well
The Cubs’ starting rotation is facing a critical crossroads following the latest injury update on Matthew Boyd. The team had just welcomed back Edward Cabrera. They have now learned that Boyd is suffering from “lingering soreness” in his left shoulder. He was scheduled to pitch this weekend during the series in San Francisco. This is Boyd’s third separate injury of the 2026 campaign. He has already missed time with a bicep strain. He also had meniscus surgery. At 35 years old, Boyd struggles to remain on the mound. This struggle highlights the significant risk the front office took. They leaned on veteran arms with extensive injury histories.
The timing is particularly damaging given that Jameson Taillon was recently ruled out until late July. Without these two veterans, the Cubs must rely on a rotation with a historical tendency to allow home runs. They have led the major leagues with 32 longballs allowed so far this year. While Ben Brown has emerged as a reliable starter with a 1.44 ERA, the rest of the staff has struggled to turn lineups over multiple times without damage. If Boyd’s “lingering soreness” turns into a long-term absence, the Cubs may need to rely on a Triple-A depth pool. This pool has been “rocked” in recent weeks. Alternatively, they may explore the trade market earlier than anticipated.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs travel to San Francisco to open a weekend set at Oracle Park against the Giants. Javier Assad (3-1, 4.73 ERA) is the probable starter for Friday night’s 9:15 PM opener against Giants righty Landen Roupp (5-6, 4.00 ERA).
