Cub Tracks slips away

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 (apparently I might be training some though). Cub Tracks eagerly awaits the advent of robotic umpires and have already amended the three laws. The going is weird. Cub Tracks turned pro a long time ago.

Cub Tracks. Where the great ones run away.

Edwin Diaz got a ten-game hiatus. Congratulations to the Florida Panthers.

Justin Steele (0-3, 3.16) took the hill in the City by the Bay against Erik Miller (2-2, 4.11), hoping to continue his string of fine starts since his return from injury. Both pitchers were up to the task early, and Miller left after a hitless inning. Spencer Bivens came on in relief and was effective as well, until the fourth, when the Cubs jammed the bags with nobody out against rookie southpaw Raymond Burgos. They did manage to push a run across.

The parade of Giant pitchers continued. The Cubs took up their stethoscopes and walked. They even brought out the lumber and put up a crooked number.

PCA time.

Tyson Miller relieved Steele after 7⅓ innings and 100+ pitches when Seiya Suzuki fumbled a fly ball again. He was successful.

Colten Brewer came in to close. He got dinked for a run. But he probably should get better-acquainted with the strike zone. Drew Smyly had to clean up. He issued a walk-off walk.

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MLB scouts have insisted all season that Chicago Cubs prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong may not be the impact bat that’s been hyped, and so far they’ve been proven correct. He’s hitting .200 with a .570 OPS. — Bob Nightengale.

• Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Three takeaways as Cubs continue to search for the elusive hot streak. “We didn’t certainly gain any ground here and do anything to move us forward,” manager Craig Counsell said.
• Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): The evolution of Justin Steele: How Cubs ace continues to get even better. “This is the big leagues and guys are going to make adjustments off you, especially when they’ve seen you multiple times,” Steele said.
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Kyle Hendricks keeps showing why he’s the last man standing from Cubs’ 2016 title team. “He’s the perfect guy to be the quote-unquote ‘last man standing’ just because he’s not out there seeking attention,” said Kris Bryant.
• Maddie Lee (Chicago Sun-Times*): Injury notebook: Cubs managing Mark Leiter Jr.’s forearm, pausing Yency Almonte’s rehab. “My forearm wasn’t really responding the same way that it had been,” Leiter said.
• Joseph Staszewski and Christian Arnold (NY Post*): Mets’ Edwin Diaz ejected versus Cubs, faces ban after umpires check for sticky substance. “It definitely wasn’t rosin and sweat,” Vic Carapazza told the pool reporter.
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune*{$}): As Chicago Cubs rookie Michael Busch locks in at the plate, his defense at 1st base continues to improve. “Busch believes the key to success in those situations is staying aggressive.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): He has work to do for sure, but making declarations about Pete Crow-Armstrong’s offensive future is silly. “It’s just bizarre. And ignorant. And annoying.” Mark Powell says... Dan Freedman says... Maddie Lee reports.
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): The latest on one of the Cubs top prospects. Kevin Alcántara is expected back with the team Tuesday.
• Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): ‘It’s beautiful’: Cubs fan Bill Murray reacts to Ryne Sandberg statue. “We’ve become friends over the years,” Murray said of Sandberg. Evan Altman has more about the statue. Jordan Bastian has more.

Food for Thought:

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