The Chicago Cubs hold a 40-37 record and currently sit in third place in the National League Central. Over the last 24 hours, the team suffered a devastating late-inning collapse against Toronto. They also received clarity on several pitching injuries. Additionally, they executed a trade for bullpen depth.
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MLB Game Recap
Chicago wasted a five-run lead to lose 8-6 against the Blue Jays at Wrigley Field. Starter Colin Rea provided 5.1 scoreless innings (3 H, 0 BB, 3 K). However, the bullpen surrendered eight runs across the seventh and eighth innings. This was capped by a go-ahead three-run homer by Kazuma Okamoto off Jacob Webb. The late-game unraveling effectively erased home runs from Matt Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Trent Thornton, Caleb Thielbar, and Webb all struggled in relief.
Standout Performer
Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF) finished 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, two RBIs, and a walk. His 400-foot blast in the sixth inning extended Chicago’s lead to 5-0 and marked his ninth home run of June. Crow-Armstrong is currently on a 23-game on-base streak and has homered four times in his last five games.
Key News & Notes
Closer Daniel Palencia was diagnosed with a mild right flexor strain following an MRI. He will be shut down from throwing through at least June 28. The Cubs sought to strengthen a fatigued relief corps. They acquired RHP Jayden Murray from the Astros. In exchange, they traded minor league first baseman Cameron Sisneros. Meanwhile, manager Craig Counsell indicated that Edward Cabrera is expected to make his next scheduled start on June 22. Counsell confirmed his recent early exit was due to a minor hand cramp.
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Farm Report
- Triple-A Iowa Cubs: Moises Ballesteros (2-for-4, 1 2B, 2 K, .500 AVG) in a 7-4 loss to Indianapolis. The young catcher has remained highly productive since being optioned to the minors earlier this week.
- Double-A Knoxville Smokies: Jose Rojas (2-for-4, 1 BB, 1 SB, .296 AVG) in a 3-1 win over Chattanooga. This victory officially clinched the Southern League North first-half title and secured a 2026 playoff berth for the Smokies.
- High-A South Bend Cubs: Matthew Boyd (4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 0.00 ERA) in a 3-2 loss to Fort Wayne. Boyd looked dominant in his first rehab start since a minor shoulder setback, throwing 59 pitches with 40 strikes.
- Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Logan Poteet (2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI, .279 AVG) in an 8-1 loss to Delmarva. Poteet’s 12th home run of the season provided the Pelicans’ only run of the game.
- ACL Cubs: Felix Cruz (1-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, .242 AVG) in a 2-1 loss to the ACL Giants. Cruz accounted for the team’s entire offensive output with a solo shot in the seventh inning.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs wrap up their series against Toronto on Sunday at 2:20 PM. Shota Imanaga (4-6, 4.26 ERA) is scheduled to start against Blue Jays righty Dylan Cease (4-3, 2.71 ERA).
The bullpen’s 4.94 ERA in June is threatening to derail strong starts and elite rookie performances. What do you think?
