Hey Moon Man! That was hella funny.
The Cubs played the rubber game against the Rays, hoping to help themselves to the meatloaf. Everyone (except Injured List residents) was in the best shape of their lives, tanned, rested, ready, with the redoubtable Seiya Suzuki due to return for Friday’s home game. Ian Happ stayed out for another day with a bad foot, though he was said to have been available for pinch-hitting duties if needed.
Colin Rea started and did a creditable job.
Game Result: Cubs 6, Rays
2. The Cubs scored five in the fourth and made it stick.
Nico turned on the power for the Cubs’ first run.
Michael Conforto cleared the bases.
Michael Busch caused a fumble.
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- Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): With Cubs’ Cade Horton out for the season, what’s the plan for the rotation? “We have to look at this as someone else is going to get a chance,” manager Craig Counsell said. ESPN has more.
- Jared Greenspan (MLB.com): 6 pitchers who are throwing harder in 2026. “… Imanaga has carried over that velocity bump into the regular season.”
- Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune*): Chicago Cubs’ Javier Assad steps up in win — and Pete Crow-Armstrong shows encouraging offensive signs. “Assad’s 5 2/3 shutout innings in a 9-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays earned an ovation from the boisterous Cubs fans who filled the ballpark.” More Assad from the Sun-Times {$}.
- Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation*): Matt Shaw’s hot start this year is even more encouraging than his “strong” second half in 2025. “… it’s what’s under the hood that really has my attention. So let’s talk about it.”
- Tommy Birch (Des Moines Register {$}): Ben Cowles returns to Iowa Cubs after eventful offseason. “I’m happy to be back,” Cowles said.
- Thomas Domol (North Side Baseball): Pete Crow-Armstrong’s next step is clear: Become a leader of the Cubs. “While there is a long road yet for the dynamic centerfielder to establish stability, there’s no one better to give the Cubs their identity.”
- Scout Springgate (Hawkeyes Wire): Caitlin Clark asks to judge Cubs’ chocolate chip cookies contest. “Clark has not shied away from her status as a self-proclaimed chocolate chip cookies connoisseur…“
Food For Thought:
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