Chicago Cubs

Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd pitched six shutout innings, leading Chicago to a 5-2 victory over the Orioles. Alex Bregman drove in two runs, and Miguel Amaya scored three times as the Cubs extended their win streak to 11 of 14 games. The game was delayed 56 minutes due to rain, which never materialized.

The Chicago Cubs are relying on Matthew Boyd to serve as their ace amid widespread pitching injuries. Boyd, who was an All-Star last season, has returned from injury and is expected to provide stability for the team in the second half of the season.

The Chicago Cubs placed utility man Matt Shaw on the injured list with a sprained hand and reliever Ethan Roberts with forearm inflammation, marking their sixth injury-related IL placement in six days. Shaw was on a strong offensive streak, while Roberts' absence exacerbates the team's bullpen struggles.

NBCUniversal will broadcast all 15 MLB games on a single Sunday through Peacock, with simulcasts on NBC and NBC Sports Network. Key games include the White Sox vs. Guardians and Cubs vs. Cardinals, featuring dedicated broadcast crews combining team-specific announcers. The event, called 'Star-Spangled Sunday,' will use consistent graphics across all broadcasts without a central studio show.

David Peterson's first start with the Cubs began with a leadoff homer but ended positively as he allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings. The Cubs, facing severe pitching injuries, acquired Peterson to bolster their rotation. Michael Conforto praised Peterson's potential, and manager Craig Counsell highlighted the team's need for reliable pitchers.

Cubs pitcher Ben Brown views his stress fracture in his neck as a blessing despite it threatening his starting role this season. The injury, previously misdiagnosed in 2024 as a benign growth, allows for clearer treatment and quicker recovery this time. However, the Cubs may not have enough time to prepare him as a starter before the season ends, similar to teammate Justin Steele's situation.

Cubs pitcher Phil Maton was placed on the injured list with right knee tendinitis, marking his second knee-related IL stint this season. The team faces ongoing pitching injuries, with Maton joining closer Daniel Palencia on the shelf, while right fielder Seiya Suzuki continues to manage discomfort in his right knee.

The Chicago Cubs acquired left-handed pitcher David Peterson in a trade with the Mets, hoping a change of scenery will help him return to his All-Star form from last season. Peterson has struggled with a 6.09 ERA this season after a 3.06 ERA before the 2023 All-Star break. Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed optimism that the new environment and a strong defensive infield could re-energize Peterson.

Cubs' Pedro Ramirez and teammate Daniel Palencia express worry for family and fellow Venezuelans after earthquakes struck the country, causing over 150 deaths and widespread displacement. The Cubs' Venezuelan players, including Ramirez, wore 'VZ' caps to show solidarity with their affected countrymen.

The Chicago Cubs acquired left-handed pitcher David Peterson from the New York Mets to bolster their injury-ravaged pitching staff. Peterson, an All-Star in 2024, has a mixed 2026 season with a 6.09 ERA but a high ground-ball rate. The Cubs have multiple injured starters, including Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown, and Jameson Taillon.

The Chicago Cubs have placed pitchers Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera on the injured list, exacerbating a pitching crisis with four-fifths of their Opening Day rotation and closer unavailable. Manager Craig Counsell and pitcher Jameson Taillon described the situation as 'crazy' and 'a rough spot' amid ongoing injuries.

The Cubs and Mets' series-opening game was rained out Monday night in New York, leading to a doubleheader on Wednesday. The Cubs previously had their game against the Blue Jays rained out on Sunday, rescheduled for August 6.

Cubs lefty Justin Steele, recovering from elbow surgery, acknowledges uncertainty about returning to peak performance but remains confident in his eventual comeback. The Cubs' leadership expresses cautious hope for his return, while Steele emphasizes his belief in his abilities despite setbacks.

A rainout postponed Shota Imanaga's scheduled start against his rival Kazuma Okamoto, wiping out their anticipated matchup. The game between the Cubs and Blue Jays was rescheduled for August 6, and Imanaga will next start against the Mets.

The Chicago Cubs postponed their Sunday afternoon game against the Toronto Blue Jays due to heavy rainfall expected to cause flooding in the Chicago metro area. The National Weather Service warned of dangerous 4-7 foot waves on Lake Michigan and rescheduled the game for August 6. Dry weather is expected Monday and Tuesday, with storms returning Wednesday.

Justin Steele's return to pitching has been delayed by a flexor-strain setback following elbow surgery, complicating the Cubs' injury-plagued rotation. The team remains cautiously hopeful about his potential contribution later in the season as they manage multiple pitching injuries.

The Cubs are maintaining Dansby Swanson's everyday role at shortstop despite his .175 batting average, the worst in the league among qualified hitters. Team officials emphasize his defensive value and hope his offensive performance will improve, citing his past production and the team's strong run prevention as reasons to keep him in the lineup.

Alex Bregman acknowledges the Chicago Cubs' inconsistent performance during an 8-22 stretch and admits his own struggles at the plate. Despite a recent three-game series showing slight improvement, Bregman emphasizes the need for the team to play up to its potential. Catcher Carson Kelly highlights Bregman's relentless work ethic as a model for success.

The Chicago Cubs have delayed Matthew Boyd's return from the injured list due to shoulder soreness, shifting Javier Assad to start this weekend against the Giants. Boyd was expected to replace Jameson Taillon in the rotation after Taillon's hamstring injury, but his setback forces further adjustments to the pitching plans.

The Cubs will be without Jameson Taillon until after the All-Star break due to a moderate left hamstring strain. The team is also dealing with injuries to Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and others, reducing starting-pitching depth. Recent returns like Matthew Boyd and improved performances from Javier Assad offer some optimism.

Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon left a game against the Giants in the second inning due to a strained left hamstring, likely requiring an injured list stint. The injury complicates the Cubs' starting pitching rotation, which had recently regained several players from injuries but now faces renewed challenges.

Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson was benched due to a batting slump but later scored the winning run as a pinch-runner. Manager Craig Counsell emphasized mental rest for Swanson, while pitcher Ben Brown delivered a strong performance with 5⅓ scoreless innings.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell is considering benching slumping shortstop Dansby Swanson, who has a batting average below .200, but has not done so yet. Swanson's struggles are part of broader offensive issues for the Cubs, which have lost 17 of their last 22 games. Counsell previously sat struggling veteran Ian Happ, who later improved after rest.

Mayor Brandon Johnson met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican to discuss federal immigration enforcement, fighting injustice, and Chicago sports. Johnson presented the Pope, a White Sox fan, with a Chicago Cubs hat and jersey, highlighting unity between the city's rival baseball teams.

A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a driver involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed Jose Melesio, a 65-year-old Chicago Cubs fan visiting Los Angeles. The incident occurred on April 27 during the Dodgers-Cubs series. Melesio was struck around 3:10 a.m.

Matthew Boyd, a Chicago Cubs starting pitcher, suffered a left meniscus injury while playing with his kids and will miss a considerable amount of time. The injury requires surgery and Boyd has been placed on the 15-day injured list. The Cubs are dealing with a significant number of pitching injuries, with 10 pitchers currently on the injured list.

The 2026 American League is performing historically poorly compared to the National League, with a .480 winning percentage—the worst in MLB's modern era. High-payroll teams like the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are struggling, while the NL Central is dominated by strong teams. The AL's underperformance is attributed to a surge in walks due to the new automated balls and strikes system.

Chicago Cubs' 22-year-old Venezuelan player Moisés Ballesteros is making a strong case for National League Rookie of the Year with a .387 batting average, five home runs, and a 1.144 OPS in 2026. His recent grand slam in a starting catcher role highlights his growing impact, prompting manager Craig Counsell to consider increased playing time.

The Los Angeles Dodgers criticized Cubs manager Craig Counsell for recently complaining about MLB rules allowing two-way players like Shohei Ohtani to stay in games as designated hitters after pitching. Dodgers president of Baseball Operations Andy Friedman defended the rules, stating they were developed with team input and aim to maximize Ohtani's impact for the league and fans.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB's top-spending team, face criticism for their competitive advantages, including a 'bizarre' rule allowing Shohei Ohtani to count as a two-way player, exempting him from pitcher roster limits. Opposing managers, like the Chicago Cubs' Craig Counsell, argue this gives the Dodgers an unfair edge, though the rule applies to any team with a two-way player.

Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts defended Matt Shaw for missing a game to attend Charlie Kirk's memorial, calling the backlash 'normal' and emphasizing empathy. Shaw faced criticism from media and fans for honoring his friend, who was murdered, while Ricketts and others highlighted the importance of personal relationships over baseball obligations.