Craig Counsell

Pete Crow-Armstrong was named the Cubs' only All-Star for the second time, despite the team's $230 million payroll. The Cubs remain in playoff contention but trail the Brewers in the NL Central. Key players like Alex Bregman, Nico Hoerner, and Dansby Swanson failed to earn All-Star recognition, while pitching struggles and injuries persist.

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.

Jameson Taillon, a veteran right-hander for the Cubs, is nearing a return to the mound after injury, potentially starting before the All-Star break. The Cubs' pitching staff is heavily impacted by injuries, and Taillon's return could stabilize their rotation. He will likely begin with a minor-league rehab start this weekend.

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.

The Cubs are addressing pitching injuries by acquiring David Peterson and Bryse Wilson, who performed well in their debuts. Front office executive Jed Hoyer emphasized continued efforts to find reinforcements through trades, waivers, and other avenues as the team navigates a challenging season.

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.

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.

Josiah Hartshorn, a 19-year-old switch-hitting prospect for the Cubs, has excelled in the minors with a .302 average, 13 home runs, and 56 RBIs, earning a spot on MLB.com's top 100 prospects list. The Cubs signed him for a $2 million bonus in the sixth round, emphasizing his ability to hit from both sides, though team president Jed Hoyer notes he still has developmental steps ahead. Cubs manager Craig Counsell criticized recent rainout decisions affecting the team's schedule.

Matthew Boyd is set to return from the injured list with the Cubs, likely starting Thursday after a minor league rehab start. Manager Craig Counsell emphasizes the need for consistent pitching, while Seiya Suzuki remains the designated hitter due to ongoing knee recovery.

The Cubs' bullpen struggled after a poor performance against the Blue Jays, with manager Craig Counsell emphasizing that relievers must quickly recover. Key pitchers like Trent Thornton, Caleb Thielbar, and Jacob Webb were criticized for allowing eight runs in the game. Closer Daniel Palencia is sidelined, adding pressure on the bullpen.

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.

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.

Cubs closer Daniel Palencia was placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation, marking his second IL stint this season. The team is already without three members of their Opening Day rotation, compounding pitching injury challenges.

Seiya Suzuki left a game with the Cubs due to right knee discomfort after a defensive play in the fourth inning. He had earlier made impressive defensive plays, contributing to the Cubs' strong defensive performance, though concerns remain about his recovery from a prior knee injury sustained during the World Baseball Classic.

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 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.

The Cubs' starting rotation is improving with Edward Cabrera and Matthew Boyd returning from injury, but concerns remain about depth due to ongoing injuries and underperformance from fill-in pitchers like Jordan Wicks. Manager Craig Counsell emphasizes the need for healthy players, though the team faces challenges maintaining a stable rotation amid mixed results from depth options.

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.

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.