The Chicago Cubs are facing bullpen challenges, with Carl Edwards Jr. potentially being a key addition. Nico Hoerner expressed concern over recent offensive behavior from Dodgers' Dalton Rushing.
Today’s Reflections
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The Cubs are struggling with their bullpen, and there are questions about whether Carl Edwards Jr. can help address these challenges.
Nico Hoerner was disturbed by Dalton Rushing's offensive behavior during recent games and wishes he had confronted him.
Ian Happ is on an on-base streak that is the best of his career, contributing positively to the Cubs' offense.
The Cubs will be facing the Cincinnati Reds in a four-game series at Wrigley Field following their matchup with the Diamondbacks.
Josh Inglis has arrived in India and is set to debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Mumbai Indians on May 4. His late arrival followed mixed reports about his availability for the IPL season.
Bayern's Olise and Bruno Fernandes in tight race for assist crown
Roy Hodgson hinted that his managerial career may be over after Bristol City's 2-0 win against Stoke. He completed a seven-match interim role and stated he won't actively seek another position.
Predicting the Dolphins' record for the 2026 season after NFL draft moves.
Spalletti warns Juventus not to make calculations for top four, expresses dissatisfaction with Milan draw.
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Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): So Far, the Cubs Have Had a Big Roster Advantage When It Comes to Pinch-Hitting. “The Cubs have already had 36 pinch hit appearances, 6th most in baseball, and they’re making a lot of hay with those opportunities.”
Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Cubs’ series with D-backs forces them to confront an offseason decision they may suddenly regret. “Zac Gallen is pitching at Wrigley Field this weekend…just not with the Cubs.”
Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): The bitter taste of victory: How Malört and Craig Counsell bring Cubs together. “Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell ripped back some Jeppson’s Malört. As the team toasted his 900th career win as a major-league manager, Counsell downed the bitter-tasting liqueur. ….. Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. “Counsell’s big message was: ‘Just embrace it, man.’ You appreciate this game more when you have to go through some of those struggles early. It brings the team together.”
Steve Silverman (Clutch Points): Cubs’ surprise breakout star behind the team’s offensive surge. “Nico Hoerner has been a productive member of the Cubs since 2019, but he has never had more than 10 home runs in a season or 68 RBI. With about 20 percent of the season in the books, he is on pace for 20 home runs and 130 RBI. He is unlikely to stay on his current pace for RBI, but there is every reason to believe he will have the best offensive season of his career.
Gordon Edes (Chicago Sun-Times): Shota Imanaga doing more than ever to ensure he and Cubs share common language. “In his third season with the Cubs, Imanaga is taking accountability in a new way. Through his interpreter, he says he no longer wants to use his being from Japan as an excuse for when he doesn’t do well.”
Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Ian Happ Integral as Cubs Keep Winning War of Attrition. “Among the top 15 hitters in MLB who’ve gotten the most PAs with runners on base, you’ll find five Cubs. The titular player, however, can’t be found until No. 93 with his .351 OBP. What’s more important is that Ian Happ is currently riding a 22-game on-base streak that has seen him reach in a variety of ways.”
Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Rick Sutcliffe Offers an Inside Perspective on the Swap from Kyle Tucker to Alex Bregman. “We know that Bregman comes with a reputation for making every player around him – even prospects in the organization – better. It’s a little harder to compare that value.”
Connor Liguori (Sporting News): Cubs linked to Angels’ 0.84 ERA Cy Young candidate for Justin Steele reason. “Battling their way past the injuries will be a difficult task for the Cubs, but they also have the trade deadline to make upgrades. Fansided’s Mark Powell suggests they give the Los Angeles Angels a call.“
*** Paranjoy Goswami (Total Pro Sports): Nico Hoerner Breaks Silence on Dalton Rushing’s Body-Shaming NSFW Remark. “Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner alleges Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing of making an obscene body-shaming comment on Miguel Amaya.”
Jeff Agrest (Chicago Sun-Times {$}): What’s it like for local media covering Cubs, White Sox? I’m finding out. “Not only am I fulfilling a dream I’ve had since I was a kid — covering baseball — but I’m getting out and seeing the broadcast media’s coverage up close, not just from my office chair at home.”
RB Hayek (Clutch Points): Has Alex Bregman totally changed Cubs’ offense? Craig Counsell isn’t buying it. “Craig Counsell dismissed the idea that Alex Bregman is the sole reason the Cubs offense is swinging less at the plate.”
Nick Hudson (SportsNetOnTap.com) Cubs Turn to Rea, Imanaga, and Boyd as Rotation Looks to Reset Against Diamondbacks. “The Cubs send Colin Rea, Shota Imanaga, and Matthew Boyd to the mound against the Diamondbacks, with each starter looking to rebound while a taxed bullpen needs support.”
Food For Thought:
Henrik Freischlader (born 3 November 1982) is a German blues guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and autodidactic multi-instrumentalist. His style of music cannot be considered pure blues. He often blends in musical styles such as rock, jazz, soul, and funk, even though blues is the basis of all of his songs. His guitar-playing is influenced by Gary Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Peter Green, Albert Collins and Albert King.
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