CHICAGO CUBS NEWS

Michael Hermosillo - Swipes first bag Hermosillo went 2-for-4 with a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base in a 3-2 win Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Impact Starting in center field for the seventh time in the Cubs' last eight games, Hermosillo recorded his first multi-hit performance of the season. He singled and scored in the second and had an RBI single and stole second base in the seventh. The 27-year-old is 5-for-27 with three walks since returning from a quad injury Sept. 8. He's likely to continue getting opportunities for the Cubs as the season winds down.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Alfonso Rivas - Steals sixth base Rivas went 1-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base in a 3-2 win Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Impact Rivas singled, stole second and scored in the seventh and executed a sacrifice bunt in the ninth. It was his sixth stolen base of the season and third since Sept. 8. Since being recalled by the Cubs on Aug. 27, he's compiled a .275/.351/.333 line. Just 10 of his 55 hits this season have gone for extra-bases and his .079 ISO is unlikely to be enough to secure him a starting role at first base in future seasons.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Hayden Wesneski - Strong outing in win Wesneski (2-1) earned the victory Thursday in Pittsburgh, striking out six in 6.1 innings while allowing two runs on five hits and two walks.

Impact Wesneski was highly effective through the first six innings, allowing just a run on four hits -- three of them by Bryan Reynolds -- and even throwing an immaculate inning in the fifth. He allowed a solo homer to Kevin Newman to begin the seventh before retiring his final batter of the evening. Wesneski has thrown at least 6.1 innings and allowed two runs or fewer in each of his two starts this year. His next start will likely be in the middle of next week against Philadelphia.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Wesneski twirls immaculate inning PITTSBURGH -- Hayden Wesneski uncoiled from his throwing motion, strode off the mound and gave a quick point in the direction of the Cubs' d...

SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 • MLB.COM

Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates Box Score - September 22, 2022 - The Athletic Get real-time MLB coverage and scores as the Chicago Cubs take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at 10:35pm UTC on September 22, 2022. The Athletic brings you the latest stats, scores, and...

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Seiya Suzuki - Not expected back this weekend Suzuki (personal) isn't expected to be available for the Cubs' four-game series in Pittsburgh this weekend, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Impact The 28-year-old was placed on the paternity list Saturday and shifted to the restricted list as a procedural move Thursday. His wife has yet to give birth, so Suzuki will remain away from the team for a few more days. Michael Hermosillo should continue to see increased playing time while Suzuki is unavailable.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nico Hoerner - Remains on bench Hoerner (triceps) isn't in the lineup Thursday against Pittsburgh.

Impact The Cubs have chosen not to place Hoerner on the injured list for now, but he'll be on the bench for a 10th consecutive game Thursday due to his triceps issue. However, he'll do work on the field ahead of the series opener versus the Pirates. Christopher Morel is starting at shortstop and batting ninth.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Patrick Mooney: The Cubs placed outfielder Seiya Suzuki on the... - The Athletic The Cubs placed outfielder Seiya Suzuki on the restricted list, which is essentially a procedural move to extend his paternity leave.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Seiya Suzuki - Shifts to restricted list Suzuki (hand/wrist) was transferred from the paternity list to the restricted list Thursday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Impact Suzuki has been away from the team since Saturday following the birth of his child, and Thursday's move will give him a few additional days with his family since players are only allowed to spend 1-3 days on the paternity list. It's not yet clear when the 28-year-old will be back with the team or whether his hand/wrist issues will impact him upon his return.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Rockies' IF Rodgers to injured list, Tovar called up

Colorado Rockies infielder Brendan Rodgers has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Cubs vs. Pirates prediction, betting odds for MLB on Thursday The Pittsburgh Pirates take on the Chicago Cubs in MLB on Thursday. This preview is based on 10K simulations of the game.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • PENNLIVE.COM

How Aaron Judge’s MVP-worthy season changes his impending free agency

Aaron Judge bet on himself and won big. Jake Mintz looks at which teams will be in on him this offseason and where the bidding might start.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

Pirates aim to end skid in game against the Cubs

The Pittsburgh Pirates will try to stop a six-game skid when they play the Chicago Cubs

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Keegan Thompson - Returns from IL, earns win Thompson (10-5) pitched three scoreless innings of relief to earn the win Wednesday against the Marlins. He allowed a hit and a walk, while striking out six.

Impact Thompson returned from the 15-day injured list Wednesday after missing nearly a month with lower-back tightness. The righty looked like he hadn't missed a beat, as he dazzled as a reliever. Thompson did make 17 starts for the Cubs this year, though he'll now finish the season in this bullpen role before potentially re-entering the rotation in 2023. He currently has a 3.86 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 107.1 innings this year.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Patrick Wisdom - Launches home run in win Wisdom went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Marlins.

Impact Wisdom took Jesus Luzardo deep for a solo shot in the top of the seventh inning, scoring the first run for the Cubs in the contest. The 31-year-old is now up to 23 long balls on the season and Wednesday's homer was his first since Aug. 19. On the season, Wisdom has produced a .211 average with 23 homers, 60 RBI, 61 runs and seven stolen bases over 432 at-bats in 123 games.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Marcus Stroman - Quality start in no decision Stroman pitched six innings, surrendering three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out seven in Wednesday's win over the Marlins. He did not factor into the decision.

Impact Stroman tossed four scoreless frames before giving up a double and two home runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, accounting for all the damage against him in the contest. The right-hander pitched well after being moved up to start Wednesday, logging his second consecutive quality start and third in his last four outings overall. Stroman has produced a 2.79 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 22 strikeouts over 29 innings in his last five starts.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Happ's sacrifice fly caps 3-run rally, Cubs beat Marlins 4-3

Ian Happ hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the eighth and the Chicago Cubs rallied to beat the Miami Marlins 4-3

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Key Yankees Reliever Set to Return From Injured List on Thursday Scott Effross, the sidearm reliever acquired from the Cubs before the trade deadline, will make his return from the IL on Thursday

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Cubs rookie Christopher Morel meets 81-year-old super fan in viral moment Judy Aldrich, 81, met her favorite player, Christopher Morel. The Cubs' rookie surprised the lifelong fan with a gift.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 • USATODAY.COM

Drew Smyly - Likely returning next week Smyly (shoulder) will likely make his next start Tuesday or Wednesday against the Phillies, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Impact Smyly was scratched from Wednesday's start against Miami due to left shoulder fatigue and won't take the mound during the Cubs' weekend series in Pittsburgh. However, the southpaw isn't believed to be dealing with a significant injury and should be able to return to action after missing just one turn through the rotation.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Michael Hermosillo - Sits after six straight starts Hermosillo is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

Impact Hermosillo will head to the bench after going 2-for-17 at the dish while starting each of the past six games in center field. Nelson Velazquez still looks like the primary threat to Hermosillo's everyday role in the outfield, but both players will be on the bench Wednesday while Christopher Morel gets the starting nod in center.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

David Bote - Nabs another start Bote will start at third base and bat second in Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

Impact After going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Tuesday's 2-1 win, Bote will be rewarded Wednesday with his fourth start in a row. So long as Nico Hoerner (triceps) and Nick Madrigal (groin) are sidelined with injuries, Bote should have a fairly clear path to regular run in the Chicago infield.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Patrick Wisdom - Back in action in right field Wisdom, who had still been bothered by a finger injury since being activated from the injured list Sept. 10, will start in right field and bat sixth Wednesday against the Marlins,...

Impact The injury may at least partially explain why Wisdom had been on the bench for four of the Cubs' past five games, but his inclusion in the lineup Wednesday suggests the finger issue isn't enough of a concern to result in a return trip to the IL. In any case, Wisdom's usage in right field rather than at his typical home at either corner-infield spot could suggest that the Cubs plan to deploy him as more of a utility player over the final weeks of the season. Wisdom has trimmed his strikeout rate more than seven points from 2021 (from 40.9 percent to 33.5 percent), but a big drop in isolated power (.287 to .213) has made him less valuable from both a real-life and fantasy perspective.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Alfonso Rivas - Riding pine Wednesday Rivas isn't starting Wednesday against the Marlins.

Impact Rivas has started against just three left-handed pitchers this season, and he'll get a breather with southpaw Jesus Luzardo on the mound Wednesday. P.J. Higgins is starting at first base and batting seventh.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nelson Velázquez - Not starting Wednesday Velazquez isn't in the lineup Wednesday against Miami.

Impact Velazquez is getting a breather after he went 0-for-10 with six strikeouts over the last six games. Christopher Morel will take his place in center field and bat ninth.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE