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There was a hint that something was up with Albert Almora Jr.’s family via this tweet sent Saturday night:
Javy said he wasn't feeling well. Didn't want to sit out because #Cubs were short-handed. Almora was gone because of family matter
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 15, 2018
So Almora wasn’t even around when the Cubs blew out the Padres Saturday night. And now, the Cubs won’t be shorthanded today:
#Cubs Almora placed on family medical emergency leave list. Bote back
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 15, 2018
The family emergency list is essentially the same as the bereavement list. Players must be on this list for a minimum of three days and maximum of seven. With the All-Star break coming up, the Cubs didn’t want to be shorthanded for one more day, and Almora can be back for the beginning of the second half Thursday. Here’s hoping all is well with him and his family.
David Bote is hitting .300/.388/.425 (12-for-40) in 19 games with the Cubs this year, with two doubles, a home run and two stolen bases. This covers three different stints with the major-league club. And, he’ll be in the starting lineup today at third base, with Kris Bryant playing right field. A full game preview with lineups for both teams will post shortly, at 1 p.m. CT.