Cub Tracks needs the loaf

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. No artificial intelligences were deployed, employed, entranced, or embalmed in the commission of this manuscript. However, the editorial we eagerly await the advent of robotic umpires and have already amended the three laws.

The rumor mills are churning, but I don’t think any of those ideas are credible, and so we shan’t cover them. In the event a trade seems doable, we’ll have it here for you.

The Cubs faced the Braves Wednesday, having already pocketed one victory in Tuesday’s exciting ten-inning tilt, and ordered the meatloaf. Justin Steele (0-1, 5.21) tried to get his rhythm back in the pocket and his slider out of the blue and into the black as he forced former Chicago simCub and fellow southpaw Max Fried (3-2, 3.81). Brandon Palmer had no comment.

The inevitable pitchers’ duel commenced, until the 3rd, when Adam mashed a Steele 4-seam with too much plate into the center-field stands. It didn’t get better after that.

Al has details. Ben Brown will take them hill, looking for the meatloaf.

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Most of the Braves’ recent headaches have been pitching related. When Morton lasted just three innings against the Cubs last week in Atlanta, it marked the start of three straight games a Braves starter lasted fewer than five innings. — Mark Bowman.

• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): Why Cubs think a move to the bullpen is the best thing for Kyle Hendricks right now. “Counsell was clear — the move isn’t necessarily a finality...” More Hendricks from Meghan Montemurro* {$}>
• Pete Byrne (WSBT*): Cubs pitcher Drew Smyly perfect in South Bend visit. “It felt really good health wise, my hip felt really good and my mechanics in general too,” Smyly said. MiLB.com has more.
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Adbert Alzolay got second opinion on forearm strain, issue reportedly in flexor tendon. “... Alzolay may have been gutting it out and pitching through something for much of the season.”
• Ryan Taylor (NBC Sports Chicago*): Héctor Neris started a new clubhouse tradition for Cubs wins. Here’s what it is. “... player of the game gets a Cubs W flag.”
• Mike McGraw (Daily Herald* {$}): Hoyer not concerned about Cubs’ slumping offense. “I think these are the things that happen over a long season.”
• Jay Cohen (AP*): Hoerner hits game-ending single in 10th inning as the Cubs beat the Braves 4-3. “Hoerner hit a game-ending infield single in the 10th inning.”
• 670 The Score*: Jed Hoyer, Cubs pleased with what they’ve seen from Pete Crow-Armstrong despite his demotion to Triple-A. “I thought it was really positive,” Hoyer said of Crow-Armstrong’s stint with the Cubs for the past month.
• Rohit De (Sportskeeda*): “Mom and dad” — Cody Bellinger’s better half Chase shares sweet glimpse into romantic date night with Cubs star.
• James Neveau (NBC Sports Chicago*): Pete Crow-Armstrong off to torrid start after being sent back to minors. “I think that offensively, I think at this point, he needs to play every day and be down there and get at-bats,” Hoyer said.
• Joe Trezza (MiLB.com*): Brennen Davis flips power switch on for I-Cubs. “... injuries impacted Davis’ development, particularly as a hitter.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Updated Top-50 Rankings feature three Cubs prospects. “ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel {$} updated,”
• ABC7*: Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg says he has ‘no detection of cancer’. “He shared a photo on Instagram Tuesday to make the announcement.”
• Linze Rice (Black Club Chicago*): The Cubs-White Sox rivalry goes back to a baseball ‘war’ In 1900. Here’s why it still rages on. “Chicago precedent dictates that one must choose a side, and most city-dwellers have.”

Food for Thought:

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