Cub Tracks comes up big in the clutch

A message from our sponsor: Cub Tracks has been working on condensing these articles somewhat. Related material is now included in the same line, rather than getting separate bullets, unless there’s something in an article that bears a closer look. The first-linked article is usually the one I judge to be the best of the lot. Just FYI. We now send you back to your regular programming.

Beats the ledge. I’m still keeping the window open, though, at least to let in the fresh air. Remember, here at Cub Tracks, we do not create #narrative — we preserve #narrative.

Here’s today’s Cubs News and Notes. As always * means autoplay on, or annoying ads, or both (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome).

• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Mike Trout, who is 5-for-15 at Wrigley Field, will likely miss the entire Angels-Cubs series. He’s seeking treatment for a swelled groin. Madeleine Kenney has more.
• Tony Andracki (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cole Hamels explains why he’s so damn good at Wrigley Field. “I just think there’s a serious comfort zone,” he said.
• Dayn Perry (CBS Sports*): Hamels and the Cubs show just how dangerous they can be following rough start to season. “... the Cubs are playing more in line with expectations.” Sahadev Sharma {$} agrees.
• Bob Goldsborough (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Neighbors sue Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish for fence around Evanston mansion that blocks Lake Michigan views. Sad story, till ongoing.
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Cubs catcher Victor Caratini could miss up to 6 weeks with a broken hand, team calls up Taylor Davis. “We’re going to miss him,” said Daniel DeScalso. Tony Andracki adds on. Madeleine Kenney chimes in. Patrick Mooney {$} tops it off.
• Tony Andracki (NBC Sports Chicago*): Willson Contreras is walking the walk. “This is what everybody expected as an encore to his 2017 campaign...” Jordan Bastian concurs. Patrick Mooney {$} does too. Bruce Levine catches the wave as well.
• Brendan Miller (Cubs Insider): Umpires have expanded Kris Bryant’s strike zone to unacceptable levels. “... umpires are calling Bryant’s strike zone about 2-4 inches wider...”
• Godon Wittenmyer (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Joe Maddon: Albert Almora Jr. about to ‘get disgustingly hot’ for Cubs. Wouldn’t surprise me. He’s been grounded lately though.
• David Lauderdale (The Island Packet): Why the Chicago Cubs’ Jason Heyward sent $20K to a women’s group in Beaufort. “The donation from his Heyward Family Fund represents his own family’s deep roots in Beaufort, but also America’s story.”
• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Tommy La Stella speaks highly of Cubs in return to Wrigley Field. “I had a lot of great times here with some really special people, so it’s cool to be back and play again,” La Stella said.
• Julian Crews (WGN-9): Cubs donation to help Morgan Park HS fix up 100-year-old baseball field. “To see the field like this and to see the things that are coming, the recognition for these kids, it’s just astronomically wonderful,” retired principal Dana Butler said. The spin is in.
• Cubs birthdays: Claude Hendrix, Roy Walker, Jake Mooty, John Stephenson, Doug Strange.

Food for thought: