Rizzo’s Progress, Schwarber’s Good Day, Forget the Pirates, and Other Bullets

Apr 13, 2018

Yu Darvish makes his Wrigley Field debut today as the Cubs welcome the Braves. Will top prospect Ronald Acuna be called up at some point this series now that we’ve passed the window where the Braves can get an extra year of control? Doesn’t sound like that’s in the plans.

Anthony Rizzo is eligible to come off of the disabled list on Monday, took some swings off of a tee yesterday (Cubs.com). Rizzo described his progress as slow and steady, “like a turtle.” Hopefully that’s … good?

The one offensive bright spot yesterday:

Wind is blowing in.

Better play small ball. #EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/HkLMbSa9OM

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 12, 2018

I also really liked seeing Schwarber smack a double down the third base line, and taking another hit to left after that. He seems to be more willing to go the other way here in the early going than he has over the last year (though, according to the data, that’s not actually the case, since his pull rate is higher than last year, and his opposite field rate is lower). The excellent day brought his overall offensive performance back up to a nice .270/.357/.595 line with a 155 wRC+.

Schwarber also had a nice catch in left field, after initially misreading a blooper and recovering well:

I just remembered last night, after Javy Baez fired back at Clint Hurdle for his ridiculous comments about Baez and Willson Contreras, this isn’t the first time someone with the Pirates organization has said these kinds of things:

By the way, this isn't the first time someone with the Pirates has thrown questionable and entirely undeserved shade at Javy Baez for "flashiness" and not respecting the game. Pirates broadcasters during a Cardinals game last August: pic.twitter.com/74rBm7sRBK
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) April 13, 2018

Do any of the Pedro-Strop-hat-haters want to say something:

Javy Baez was relaxed talking about this rather silly controversy. Said it was Pedro Strop who talked to him last night after bat flip/slow job to first. #cubs
— Teddy Greenstein (@TeddyGreenstein) April 12, 2018

Jesse Rogers with a feature on Cubs reliever Eddie Butler, who apparently has had to overcome some anger issues. Good, interesting read. As for the pitcher, he sports a 1.64 ERA over 11.0 relief innings this year (seven came in that marathon game against the Marlins), in his first real shot to stick in the big leagues as a reliever. He’s getting work in mop-up duty these days, but he’s getting through his innings well. If he can successfully make this transition, that would be quite a find for the Cubs and a guy who was out of options and on the verge of being let go.

Jason Heyward currently stands at -2 DRS in the outfield, which, whatever. I was thinking yesterday about how subtly he saves actual runs – there was a double yesterday early in the game that looked absolutely certain to score a runner from first, but Heyward cut the ball so quickly in the corner and got it in that the runner had to stop at third. Kyle Hendricks later got out of the inning without that runner scoring.

If you missed it, the last installment of Luke’s top 40 Cubs prospects list and analysis dropped yesterday.

Big deals today at Amazon on a ball vacuum, a receiver, and – ooh la la – an electric food dehydrator!

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

REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

A surprising report tonight ahead of tomorrow's off-day for the Chicago Cubs. Another infielder is coming up, and he'd be making his big league debut in the process. It's defensive stud Luis Vazquez, a guy whom many had been calling...

Brett Taylor

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

The brutal, brutal run for the Chicago Cubs' offense continued today. It's really hard to win that way, and even harder to watch. Jameson Taillon was a touch better than his line today, without a lot of defensive help behind...

Brett Taylor

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

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

CUBS LINEUP — Well, the good news is that the Cubs have an off-day tomorrow and Dansby Swanson is targeting a Tuesday return from the IL. So no matter what, this SHOULD be the last day the Cubs middle infield...

Michael Cerami

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

Despite everything, the Cubs are still three games up for the second Wild Card spot at the moment (and two games back in the NL Central). That's not a going-forward projection, it's just some context. The drama around the call...

Brett Taylor

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

If I were a catcher and wanted to record an out, I would simply not drop the ball. It's a jokey line, sure, but it's also correct in relation to yesterday's controversial conclusion. I think after seeing the replays of...

Brett Taylor

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

The Cubs pulled out a win in the bottom of the 9th yesterday, when Christopher Morel drove in Cody Bellinger to walk it off. The Pirates were undoubtedly displeased about the controversial ending, as it looked like Bellinger had been...

Brett Taylor

May 19, 2024

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

How to Watch

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

On Monday, Michael Wacha will take the mound for the Kansas City Royals (29-19) against Reese Olson and the Detroit Tigers (23-23), with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET at Kauffman Stadium.The article below will provide you with everything...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

Picks

Panthers vs. Rangers Stanley Cup Semifinals Game 1 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Wednesday, May 22, 2024

The oddsmakers are predicting a close contest between the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers on Wednesday in New York City, with the Panthers given moneyline odds of -115 and the Rangers at -105.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Panthers vs. Rangers...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

How to Watch

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

The Houston Astros (21-26), with Framber Valdez on the mound, host the Los Angeles Angels (18-29) who will start Reid Detmers, at 8:10 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Houston-Los Angeles matchup in the...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Braves vs. Padres: Live Stream or on TV

The Atlanta Braves (26-15), led by Marcell Ozuna, host Jurickson Profar and the San Diego Padres (23-24) on Monday at 12:20 PM ET.See how to watch the Atlanta-San Diego matchup below.When is Braves vs. Padres and when does it start?This...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

How to Watch

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

The St. Louis Cardinals (20-26), with Sonny Gray on the hill, host the Baltimore Orioles (29-15) who will start Dean Kremer, at 7:45 PM ET on Monday in a series opener.Find out how to watch the St. Louis-Baltimore matchup below.When...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

How to Watch

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

Pablo Lopez takes the ball for the Minnesota Twins (24-22) when they visit starter Mitchell Parker and the Washington Nationals (20-25) at 6:45 PM ET on Monday.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

How to Watch

Brewers vs. Marlins: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Monday, in a series opener at LoanDepot park, Joe Ross takes the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers (27-19) against Ryan Weathers and the Miami Marlins (15-33), with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

How to Watch

Rays vs. Red Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Taj Bradley will take the ball for the Tampa Bay Rays (25-23) when they host starter Tanner Houck and the Boston Red Sox (23-24) in a series opener on Monday, with first pitch at 6:50 PM ET.Keep reading to find...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

How to Watch

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

Ben Lively will take the ball for the Cleveland Guardians (30-17) when they host starter Tylor Megill and the New York Mets (21-25) on Monday, with first pitch at 6:10 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you need...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

How to Watch

Yankees vs. Mariners: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Marcus Stroman takes the mound for the New York Yankees (33-15) when they host starter Logan Gilbert and the Seattle Mariners (25-22) at 7:05 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch New...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

Rizzo’s Progress, Schwarber’s Good Day, Forget the Pirates, and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular