It actually doesn’t take a lot for Chicago Cubs followers to get excited.
A few late-inning wins in Milwaukee, together with a sport Tuesday that Justin Steele declared “was drunk,” helped alleviate some worries over the Cubs’ post-London droop.
And with Marcus Stroman on the mound Thursday for the collection finale towards the Brewers, the outlook was abruptly sunnier because the Cubs ready for a three-game collection towards the New York Yankees.
The vibrant lights of New York, the aura of Yankee Stadium and a reunion with former Cubs legend Anthony Rizzo made it an ideal approach to head into the All-Star break, throughout which Stroman, Steele and Dansby Swanson had been chosen for the sport in Seattle.
But a Cubs comeback fell brief Thursday in a 6-5 loss to the Brewers — after a five-inning outing by Stroman and 16 strikeouts by the offense — leaving them a season-worst eight video games behind the division-leading Cincinnati Reds.
“It’s a big one in New York,” mentioned Cody Bellinger, who went 4-for-4 and homered for the primary time since April 30. “I nonetheless really feel fairly good. The collection might have gone both method for all of these video games. Coming out with a break up (was) not nice, not horrible.
“We’re playing good. A lot of baseball still left to be played.”
Bellinger could possibly be auditioning for the Yankees, one in every of a number of contending groups in want of a left-handed bat on the commerce deadline.
As a coveted participant with postseason cred, he is aware of how this all works.
“I definitely know what is possible,” he mentioned of being commerce bait. “I like being here and focusing on helping this team while I am here. Hopefully we could get on a little roll and stay together.”
Stroman confirmed Thursday what he had hinted at because the London Series, saying he doesn’t plan to pitch within the All-Star Game to “put a priority on my body and my mind.” He may not go to Seattle in any respect.
“I’m not sure, to be honest with you,” he mentioned. “It’s been a lot since the (World Baseball Classic) coming into this year. I made every start, which I’m thankful for, grateful for (help from the training staff). … But I’m definitely looking forward to having a little bit of a break, just to restore my energy, clear my mind and have a good second half.”
Swanson, who sat out after struggling a left heel bruise Wednesday when he landed awkwardly on first base on a double-play grounder, didn’t know if he might play in New York this weekend or whether or not he additionally would decide out of the All-Star Game or attend the festivities.
“It’s not anything we’ve really decided on yet,” he mentioned, including he would focus on it in New York. He additionally mentioned the necessity to recharge is actual.
“A tough schedule in terms of travel and rain delays and schedule changes and weird baseball times,” Swanson mentioned. ‘But that’s clearly a part of our job, one thing we receives a commission to do. We’re all grateful to be on this place, however there’s that point the place you get a number of days to relaxation, loosen up and prepare for an excellent second half.”
While the Cubs love having their gamers chosen for the sport, some within the group don’t thoughts Stroman sitting it out. After all, he could possibly be a commerce chip if the Cubs fall out of rivalry.
Manager David Ross conceded it’s a conundrum: Teams need their gamers wholesome and rested, however the All-Star Game can be a particular present to baseball followers.
“Listen, I don’t ever think it’s healthy for our sport or for anybody to think the All-Star Game is something we should not participate in and look down upon,” Ross mentioned. “This is a particular honor these guys get and an excellent alternative to be round different nice gamers, to get experiences and (see) how different guys do issues and be in a extremely cool environment.
“I wish I would have had that (experience) as a player. … But from my seat as a manager, you want your players healthy when they get back. But you also want them to continue to grow and be a part of cool opportunities, and I think the All-Star Game is really special.”
If Stroman and Swanson pull out, Steele could possibly be the one Cub within the sport. He would possibly even be the National League’s beginning pitcher.
“I don’t think it should be up for debate,” Stroman mentioned. “I think he’s the clear-cut starter for the NL. If you watch the game, see everything involved, I think everybody should pick him.”
Steele mentioned he’s simply wanting ahead to being in Seattle.
“It’d be a really cool experience to get in the game and actually play,” he mentioned. “But the main thing I’m looking forward to is just getting there and enjoying the moment with my family.”
The Cubs felt good in regards to the break up in Milwaukee coming off a poor stretch. Yan Gomes’ two-run homer tied the sport within the eighth, however Victor Caratini’s solo homer off Michael Fulmer within the backside of the inning ended any hope of a 3rd straight emotional win.
Now it’s on to New York for the reunion with Rizzo and an opportunity to finish the primary half on a constructive notice.
The Cubs had been outscored 28-5 within the Yankees’ three-game sweep final 12 months within the Bronx, a part of a 10-game shedding streak. Jameson Taillon pitched the finale for New York, incomes the win in an 18-4 romp wherein Ross despatched out first baseman Frank Schwindel to pitch the eighth inning.
Taillon wound up signing a four-year, $68 million take care of the Cubs however has struggled to regain his type within the first half, going 2-6 with a 6.93 ERA. He’ll face former White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodón, who can be making his Yankees debut after recovering from a left forearm pressure and again stiffness, in Friday’s collection opener.
“My fiancee and I really embraced the city,” Taillon mentioned, “loved the New York lifestyle, taking the subway to the stadium and playing for a storied franchise, like I am now, and playing in front of 40,000 really locked into the game. I’m excited just to catch up with everyone, and what better way to go on a roll than to go in there and pitch well.”
Rizzo has been gone lengthy sufficient {that a} collection towards the Cubs received’t be as hyped because it was in 2022. But he little doubt would like to carry out nicely for Cubs followers watching at residence and to beat his previous buddy Ross, whom Rizzo nicknamed “Grandpa.”
“It’s weird sitting in my seat when you’ve got a friend on the other side that you want to beat,” Ross mentioned. “But also when they get a hit, you’re fine with it. It’s a weird space to be in.”
The Cubs have been in a bizarre area because the journey to London. Could it get any weirder within the Big Apple?
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Source: www.bostonherald.com