Injury Bug Continues, Samardzija Blasted, Banks Honored, and Other Vacation Bullets

Aug 09, 2013

The Cubs got pounded 12-1 by the Phillies yesterday. I haven’t missed too many games in the last few years, but I’m not so upset to have missed that one.

Jeff Samardzija lasted just 3.1 innings, giving up 11 hits and nine earned runs (no walks and three strikeouts, though, so those are good for the ratios!). Sharknado? More like Shark … hit … hard … by the, um, Phillies-o. Yeah. Kablowy.

Dale Sveum said of the start, per Cubs.com, that Samardzija didn’t have his split working, and his fastball was flat and very hittable. Samardzija, on the other hand, didn’t seem to think he was throwing all that poorly, and is waiting to review tape before concluding whether he was doing something wrong, or whether it was just a day where the balls were falling in. Jesse Rogers writes that the big indicator for the game was that Samardzija didn’t a single swing-and-miss. Yeah, that’s pretty indicative of not having your best stuff.

The injury bug continued to bite the Cubs in Philadelphia, as something clearly went very wrong with reliever Matt Guerrier – he didn’t throw well, and then the next day, the Cubs put him on the 60-day DL with elbow soreness. That means he won’t pitch again for the Cubs this season, and also means the Cubs immediately knew his elbow issue was relatively serious. He’ll head back to Chicago to be examined, and hopefully the news isn’t of the most serious variety for the 35-year-old. Guerrier pitched fairly well after coming to the Cubs in the Carlos Marmol swap, putting up a 2.13 ERA and 1.263 WHIP over 12.2 innings (6.4 K/9, 3.4 BB/9). He’ll end the season on the 60-day DL, and, even if his elbow issue requires only rest, he’s not likely to land a big league deal heading into next season. Perhaps the Cubs will try to bring him back on a minor league/Spring Training invite deal next year.

The Cubs brought back infrequently-used taxi squad reliever Eduardo Sanchez to take Guerrier’s place. I’d think that the Cubs would like to get a serious look at the promising 24-year-old righty the rest of the way before making a decision on whether to keep him on the 40-man roster all offseason.

Also coming up from Iowa is veteran minor league catcher J.C. Boscan, who technically takes injured outfielder Thomas Neal’s spot on the 25-man roster, but is really coming up to replace, temporarily, injured catcher Dioner Navarro. Given the lack of a DL move for Navarro just yet, the Cubs must have some confidence that his leg contusion really is just that. Boscan takes Guerrier’s spot on the 40-man, and is a temporary solution at age 33.

In case you were counting: that makes three injuries that the Cubs suffered in a one-inning span on Wednesday night.

President Obama announced that Ernie Banks will receive the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor available. The medal, which was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, is presented to those who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” Other players have received the award, including Hank Aaron (2002), Roberto Clemente (2003) Joe DiMaggio (1977), Stan Musial (2011), Buck O’Neil (2006), Frank Robinson (2005), Jackie Robinson (1984) and Ted Williams (1991). Good company for Banks, and a distinctive honor for Mr. Cub.

Another great prospect piece from CSN, this one on Dan Vogelbach.

The Cubs start a three-game set in St. Louis tonight, so get ready for that uniquely fun experience.

written by

Brett Taylor

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

Whew. That game was kinda dumb, but I tell you, the ending sure was fun. And also weird! So, to set the stage, the Pirates and Cubs' offenses could do nothing all day long. The game was still 0-0 in...

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

This guy. What do I even say? I was already kinda buzzy when Brennen Davis homered again - a grand slam - for the fifth time in six games, and sixth time in eight games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/1791967453888598441 Truly...

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

What matters most is that the Cubs won the game. And it was a fun ending, too. So I'm happy. But I also do feel a little frustrated - or concerned might be the better word - as I'm sure...

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — Losing to the Braves (and then Jared Jones and Paul Skenes), when you have 10 people on the IL, including your entire middle infield, is not really that concerning to me. It sucks and banking losses is...

Michael Cerami

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

REPORT: Cubs Trade Richard Lovelady to the Rays

When the Chicago Cubs traded Jake Slaughter to the Seattle Mariners for reliever Tyson Miller, they needed to open a spot on both the active roster and the 40-man roster. They did that in one move by designating reliever Richard...

Michael Cerami

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Set a Target Date for Dansby Swanson’s Return, Daniel Palencia Also On His Way

First, a quick update I kept out of the headline: Nico Hoerner is not in the Cubs lineup today, as he continues to deal with left hamstring tightness. The Cubs have now blown past the maximum IL backdate optimization, which...

Michael Cerami

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Hendricks Will Get More Chances, Many Injury Updates, A Possible New Scandal, and Other Cubs Bullets

Sports Saturday around the Taylor household, so it's time to run all over to soccer fields and baseball fields and dance centers. First, Cubs Bullets ... Kyle Hendricks may not have made a load of terrible pitches in yesterday's game...

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 9, Cubs 3 – May 17, 2024

For six hitless, profoundly dominant innings, Paul Skenes today looked like the best pitching prospect I've seen since maybe Stephen Strasburg. The other two who came to mind as I watched were Matt Harvey and Jose Fernandez. Those three, when...

Brett Taylor

May 17, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Elly De La Cruz Continues to Electrify, Yanks Want Soto for Long Haul, More

Elly De La Cruz continues to dazzle and the Yankees want Juan Soto in New York for the rest of his career. That and more in today's MLB Notes! Elly De La Cruz's Four Steal Night Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 17, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | May 17, 2024: I-Cubs’ Homer Party Helps Cade Horton Get His First Triple-A Win

The Iowa Cubs mashed four home runs and scored 10 runs, as Cade Horton made his best start at Triple-A on Thursday. That and more in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report | May 17, 2024 Triple-A Iowa Cubs...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 17, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Tigers: Live Stream or on TV

The Arizona Diamondbacks (21-24), with Jordan Montgomery on the hill, host the Detroit Tigers (22-22) who will start Matt Manning, at 4:10 PM ET on Sunday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch Arizona square off...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Red Sox vs. Cardinals: Live Stream or on TV

Nick Pivetta will take the ball for the Boston Red Sox (22-23) when they visit starter Matthew Liberatore and the St. Louis Cardinals (19-25) on Sunday, with first pitch at 1:05 PM ET and the Cardinals aiming for a series...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

Royals vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Sunday, looking for a series sweep, Bobby Witt Jr. and the Kansas City Royals (27-19) face the Oakland Athletics (19-28), with first pitch scheduled for 2:10 PM ET at Kauffman Stadium.Find out how to watch the Kansas City-Oakland matchup...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Astros vs. Brewers: Live Stream or on TV

Kyle Tucker and the Houston Astros (20-25) host William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (26-18) at 2:10 PM ET on Sunday.Find out how to watch the Houston-Milwaukee matchup below.When is Astros vs. Brewers and when does it start?This matchup between...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

Rangers vs. Angels: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Sunday, Michael Lorenzen will start for the Texas Rangers (23-23) against Jose Soriano and the Los Angeles Angels (17-28), with first pitch scheduled for 2:35 PM ET at Globe Life Field.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

Phillies vs. Nationals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Aaron Nola will take the ball for the Philadelphia Phillies (32-14) when they host starter Trevor Williams and the Washington Nationals (20-23) on Sunday, with first pitch at 1:35 PM ET.See how to watch the Philadelphia-Washington matchup below.When is Phillies...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

Orioles vs. Mariners: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Sunday, going for a series sweep, Gunnar Henderson and the Baltimore Orioles (28-14) face the Seattle Mariners (24-21), with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 PM ET at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.Keep reading to find out how to watch...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Guardians vs. Twins: Live Stream or on TV

On Sunday, going for a series sweep, Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Guardians (28-17) play Ryan Jeffers and the Minnesota Twins (24-20), with first pitch scheduled for 1:40 PM ET at Progressive Field.Keep scrolling to find out all the details...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Cubs vs. Pirates: Live Stream or on TV

Jameson Taillon takes the mound for the Chicago Cubs (26-21) when they host starting pitcher Mitch Keller and the Pittsburgh Pirates (21-26) at 2:20 PM ET on Sunday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch Chicago...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Knicks vs. Pacers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7 – Sunday, May 19, 2024

The New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers take the court in a decisive Game 7 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks are favored by 2.5 points in the contest, which will be broadcast on ABC...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

Injury Bug Continues, Samardzija Blasted, Banks Honored, and Other Vacation Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular