Cub Tracks’ what has become of Yu?

Welcome to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, steeped in writers’ tears, and then cold-brewed overnight for maximum flavor.

Drew Smyly looked to continue his skein of good games with a turn in San Diego Saturday night. Edwin Rios started at DH, in the seven hole. Rougned Odor has a groin. Yu know who was on the bump for the Friars, who wore mustard and chocolate in celebration, on their home whites.

The Cubs kicked the ball around a little, and Smyly faltered. Meanwhile:

I mean, unless it is a no-decision it goes to eleven, doesn’t it? I was kinda hoping that Darvish’d turn back into the pumpkin he was in his first Cubs year, but not so far. The Cubs let this one slide, and the series is tied until after Sunday’s game.

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• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): The Cubs know this could be the make-or-break part of their season. “The Cubs need to do something big to change the fundamentals...”

“The responsibility of the players is to go out and keep doing the same things,” Happ said. “Keep doing the little things that help you win games and not press. You have to have the confidence and the belief to keep going. If you get in that situation where you’re pressing every day, it gets really hard on everybody. With the guys in this room with the experience, it won’t be a problem.” — Patrick Mooney.

• Lyndon Suvanto (Sportskeeda*): MLB Rumors: Cubs’ Marcus Stroman trade idea might face complications according to insider. “... as strong as Marcus Stroman has been this year, the Cubs as a whole have not been.” Kade Kistner has other ideas.
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Miguel Amaya not in I-Cubs lineup Saturday, could be promoted again soon. “... Des Moines Register beat writer Tommy Birch indicated that it’s because the catcher will either be recalled or sent West as part of the taxi squad.” Steele to the IL, Amaya recalled. BCB is in on it.
• Matt Trueblood (North Side Baseball*): Accepting some failure has to be part of the plan for Matt Mervis. “... they need to balance the urgency of winning with the importance of making a clearer short-term commitment to Mervis.”
• Adam Weinrib (Yanks Go Yard*): Yankees’ old friend dominating for Cubs (especially vs Rays) is refreshing. “... the 32-year-old earned a promotion to the big club on May 19.”
• Alexander Patt (Cubbies Crib*): Cuban prospect to sign with team per reports. The reported deal is pending a physical per MLB reporter Francys Romero.

Food for Thought:

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