Chicago Cubs News

Miguel Amaya  • C  •  Cubs  |  Isaac Paredes  • 3B  •  Cubs

Isaac Paredes, Miguel Amaya Sitting On Saturday

Chicago Cubs third baseman Isaac Paredes and catcher Miguel Amaya are not in the starting nine on Saturday afternoon as the Cubs continue a three-game set against the New York Yankees. The third baseman is in the midst of a rough 2-for-17 slide since the start of the month, while Amaya has tallied just one hit since September 1. As a result, Patrick Wisdom will cover the hot corner and bat in the eight-hole, and Christian Bethancourt will be behind the dish batting ninth. Fantasy managers should expect Paredes and Amaya to return to the starting nine tomorrow as they are scheduled to face Yankee ace, Gerrit Cole. Both Wisdom and Bethancourt could be sneaky plays in DFS this afternoon as they will face Clarke Schmidt who will be making his return to the mound after not pitching since May due to a strained lat.
6 hours ago   
Shota Imanaga  • SP  •  Cubs

Shota Imanaga Leads The Way In Combined No-Hitter

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga led the way on Wednesday evening in a combined no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The southpaw logged seven innings and allowed just two free passes while striking out seven. Cubs skipper Craig Counsell then turned to Nate Pearson to pitch in the eighth and Porter Hodge to close out the final frame. This was an excellent bounce-back for Imanaga, as he has carried a 3.68 ERA since the start of August. In addition, this was another strong sign that Hodge is growing into a closer role in the Northside as he was called upon to close out the no-hitter. The 23-year-old has tallied two saves in his past five outings with no earned runs and a 1.06 WHIP. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor who sees the majority of save opportunities down the stretch in Chicago. Imanaga is currently lined up to face the high-powered Los Angeles Dodgers in his next start.
2 days ago   
Justin Steele  • SP  •  Cubs

Justin Steele Hits 15-Day Injured List With Elbow Tendinitis

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (elbow) was placed on the 15-day IL earlier on Wednesday evening with left elbow tendinitis. The 29-year-old ace was initially scratched from his start on Tuesday evening due to reported inflammation but will now sit out for at least the next two weeks. Currently, there is no specific timetable for his return, but fantasy managers could expect him back sometime before the end of the regular season if he progresses well. On Tuesday, the Cubs turned to veteran Kyle Hendricks to fill in for Steele and, as a result, should be considered the front-runner to claim his rotation spot for the time being. Steele has enjoyed another strong campaign and has held a 3.09 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP after finishing near the top in NL Cy Young voting last summer. Deeper league managers looking to replace Steele should only consider streaming Hendricks in favorable matchups as he has struggled quite often this summer, sitting with a career-worst 6.60 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP.
3 days ago   
Justin Steele  • SP  •  Cubs

Justin Steele Dealing With Elbow Inflammation

Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele (elbow) said an MRI exam on his left elbow was positive and showed only inflammation, which he has been feeling for a while. No decision has been made yet as to whether Steele will go on the 15-day injured list, and the team is taking it day by day. The Cubs scratched the 29-year-old southpaw from his scheduled start against the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates, but there's a chance he could avoid the IL and make his next start after a little rest. If Steele does land on the IL, veteran Kyle Hendricks, who made the start on Tuesday, could take his spot in the starting rotation. Despite not being 100% for a while, Steele hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in a start since July 30 and has gone 3-0 with a 2.03 ERA and .200 batting average against with 33 strikeouts and seven walks in his last five starts since Aug. 5.
3 days ago   
Justin Steele  • SP  •  Cubs

Justin Steele Scratched From Tuesday's Start With Elbow Soreness

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said after the team's 5-3 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday that left-hander Justin Steele (elbow) is experiencing some elbow soreness and won't make his scheduled start at Wrigley Field on Tuesday against the Bucs. Veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks will make the spot start instead. It's unclear exactly how serious Steele's elbow injury is right now, but he'll likely go for testing. If it's serious enough to put the 29-year-old on the 15-day injured list, Steele will be unlikely to pitch again in 2024, especially with the Cubbies unlikely to make the postseason. The former fifth-round pick in 2014 was a first-time All-Star in 2023 and has been solid yet again for fantasy managers in his fourth year in the big leagues, going 5-5 with a 3.09 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and a 131:34 K:BB in 128 innings over his 22 starts. Check back later for more info on Steele's injury.
4 days ago   
Michael Busch  • 1B  •  Cubs

Michael Busch Absent Against Southpaw

Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch will take a seat ahead of Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. The lefty slugger will get the day off against a left-handed starting pitcher. The Cubs don't always platoon Busch, but they felt he needed a day off here. In his place, Patrick Wisdom will play first base and bat sixth versus southpaw Mitchell Parker. Normally, Wisdom is reliable against lefty pitching but is only hitting .219 with three home runs and 19 RBI against the southpaw this season. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help on Sunday.
6 days ago   
Jordan Wicks  • SP  •  Cubs

Jordan Wicks Activated From Injured List, Starting On Sunday

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jordan Wicks (oblique) was activated off the 60-day IL on Sunday morning and is slated to start the series finale as the Cubs look to complete a three-game sweep against the Washington Nationals. Wicks hit the IL back in June with an oblique strain and will likely remain in the starting rotation throughout the remainder of the regular season. Prior to the injury, the southpaw held a 4.18 ERA and 1.46 WHIP across 28 frames. The 25-year-old held an above-average 25.0% K rate and a 28.0% whiff rate. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues needing a depth starting pitcher should look at Wicks on the waiver wire this weekend. DFS players should consider placing Wicks in their starting lineup as the Nationals have posted a mere .131 ISO against southpaws this season.
6 days ago   
Shota Imanaga  • SP  •  Cubs

Shota Imanaga Strikes Out Eight, Improves To 11-3

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga went six innings in Friday's 7-6 victory over the Nationals, allowing three earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out eight on the way to picking up his 11th win of the season. It was the southpaw's 15th quality start of the year out of 25 starts, and he's now got a 3.14 ERA on the season with a 1.05 WHIP and a 21.2% K-BB%. The 30-year-old lines up with Pittsburgh at home in his next start, a team he shut down over seven innings at home earlier this season, allowing no runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven.
7 days ago   
Jorge López  • RP  •  Cubs

Jorge Lopez Could Return To Cubs This Weekend

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jorge Lopez (groin) could return to Chicago's bullpen this weekend, according to manager Craig Counsell. Lopez has been dealing with a groin injury since Aug. 23 but recently completed a bullpen that went well. The 31-year-old has been fantasy relevant in his stint with Chicago, pitching to a 0.79 ERA in 22 2/3 innings. His return will be very welcomed by both fantasy managers and Cubs fans alike. Although Chicago is likely out of the National League Central race, they're five games back of a wild-card spot, and a reliable arm like Lopez will help their outside chances. Fantasy managers that have been holding Lopez out of their lineups need to ensure he's back in as soon as he's announced on the active roster. With Chicago's next five games against the subpar offenses of the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates, Lopez will likely be used often when Chicago has a lead.
7 days ago   
Jordan Wicks  • SP  •  Cubs

Jordan Wicks Nearing Return

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jordan Wicks (oblique) is nearly ready to return to the big league roster. The left-hander was scratched ahead of his start at Triple-A Iowa on Friday. The organization did this so they could have Wicks fresh for a possible start this weekend against the Washington Nationals. Cubs manager Craig Counsell said they could reshuffle their starting rotation over the next few days. Wicks hasn't been great for the Cubs this season, but he gives the team another viable arm down the stretch of the September. The southpaw has a 4.18 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and 32/10 K/BB ratio across seven games (six starts) with the Cubs this season. He could be a streaming option against the Nats lackluster offense, but isn't a great long term fantasy option.
Aug 30   
Matt Shaw  • SS  •  Cubs

Matt Shaw Dealing With Strained Back

Chicago Cubs shortstop prospect Matt Shaw (back), the team's top prospect per MLB Pipeline, reportedly strained his back making an impressive play to record the final out in the bottom of the second inning for Triple-A Iowa on Sunday when he ranged deep into the hole at the 6 to make a leaping throw to first base. Shaw was replaced with a pinch-hitter in the top of the third frame. He could end up missing a few days because of the injury. Shaw, the 13th overall pick last year out of Maryland, has slashed .254/.389/.441 with three long balls and nine RBI in 18 games for Iowa since his promotion. The 22-year-old is a pretty complete hitter who uses the entire field. He has picked it up offensively after a sluggish start early in 2024 and is now slashing a combined .275/.376/.464 with an .839 OPS, 17 homers, 59 RBI and 28 steals in 104 games at Iowa and Double-A Tennessee.
Aug 29   
Pete Crow-Armstrong  • CF  •  Cubs

Pete Crow-Armstrong On Base Five Times On Wednesday

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong went a perfect 5-for-5 in getting on base in Wednesday's 14-10 win over the Pirates, collecting four hits and was even intentionally walked in his fifth plate appearance. The 22-year-old has been hot as of late, with multi-hit games in four of his last six, going 11-for-23 (.478) with three extra-base hits, seven RBI, nine runs scored, a 5:6 BB:K, and three stolen bases over that stretch. After seeing his batting average dip all the way down to .180 on July 26, the former first-round draft pick has raised it all the way up to .233, not far below the major league average of .244. Experiencing such futility over his first 66 games, it might be hard to trust him leading up to the fantasy playoffs, but he does have the pedigree and for those willing to ride the wave, the youngster is still available in almost 70% of Yahoo leagues.
Aug 29   
Christian Bethancourt  • C  •  Cubs

Christian Bethancourt Piles Up Seven RBI In Win

Chicago Cubs catcher Christian Bethancourt was instrumental in Wednesday's stunning win over the hosting division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, notching three hits, a homer, and seven RBI in the victory. After connecting with a two-run homer to left field in the seventh inning, Bethancourt hooked a two-run double to left field to trim the Cubs' deficit to 10-7 in the eighth frame. He then delivered a two-run single to left field to give the Cubs an 11-10 lead in the ninth. The 32-year-old veteran backstop has hit more homers (three) in 11 games with Chicago than he hit (two) in 38 outings with the Miami Marlins earlier this year, going 11-for-27 with 15 RBI and two stolen bases to boot. He's pushing for more at-bats in the Windy City.
Aug 29   
Ben Brown  • RP  •  Cubs

Ben Brown Unlikely To Return This Year

Chicago Cubs rookie right-hander Ben Brown (neck) remains at the team's spring training complex in Arizona and still hasn't done anything pitching-wise. Manager Craig Counsell said it's not likely that Brown will be back the rest of the season. Brown last appeared in a game for the Cubs way back on June 8 and was then placed on the injured list on June 11 with a stress reaction in his neck. The 24-year-old has already been shut down two separate times from his throwing program and will likely be shut down as he looks to get fully healthy for next season. After going 1-3 with a 3.58 ERA (3.11 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP and a 64:19 K:BB in 55 1/3 innings over his first 15 big-league appearances (eight starts), Brown should at least be in contention for a starting role going into spring training next year if he's recovered from his neck issues.
Aug 28   
Dansby Swanson  • SS  •  Cubs

Dansby Swanson Hits Three-Run Homer Tuesday

One day after hitting a grand slam, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson struck again in Tuesday's 9-5 win over the Pirates. Swanson went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run and two walks. The 30-year-old crushed a fourth-inning Jared Jones fastball into the right-center seats for his 12th long ball of the season. Swanson has had a disappointing season from a fantasy perspective. The good news is that he has put together a strong August, slashing .276/.356/.474 with three HR and seven stolen bases in 76 at-bats. Fantasy managers who held onto Swanson all season long have been rewarded lately just as the fantasy playoffs are approaching.
Aug 28   
Seiya Suzuki  • RF  •  Cubs

Seiya Suzuki Hits 19th Homer Of Season Tuesday

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki continued to end August on a high note in Tuesday's 9-5 win over the Pirates. Suzuki, who played designated hitter, went 2-for-4 with a single, a two-run home run, a walk, and a strikeout. The 30-year-old lined a fourth-inning Jared Jones fastball to the opposite field, putting it over the right-field wall for his 19th long ball of the season. Despite a mostly poor offensive August, Suzuki owns a solid .276/.348/.494 slash line with 62 runs scored, 63 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 465 plate appearances. Hopefully, he can continue to get things going down the stretch.
Aug 28   
Seiya Suzuki  • RF  •  Cubs

Seiya Suzuki Collects Four Hits Monday

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki got in on the action in Monday's 18-8 win over the Pirates. Playing designated hitter, Suzuki went 4-for-6 with three singles, a double, an RBI, and a strikeout. He also stole a base. The 30-year-old has turned things around offensively after a mostly slow month of August, batting .364 with two home runs in his last seven games. This is a good sign for fantasy managers, as Suzuki has produced overall this season, slashing .274/.346/.487 with 18 HR, 60 runs scored, 61 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 460 plate appearances.
Aug 27   
Dansby Swanson  • SS  •  Cubs

Dansby Swanson Hits Grand Slam On Monday

Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson went 1-for-4 on Monday with a walk and two runs scored in his team's blowout win 18-8 over the Pittsburgh Pirates. His lone hit was a grand slam, giving him four RBI on the day. Swanson has had an underwhelming season up until this point, slashing .228/.299/.361 with 11 homers and 47 RBI in 121 games (421 at-bats). Hopefully, this can mark a turnaround for Swanson, and he can finish the season off strong as the Cubs are looking to qualify for the postseason. Fantasy managers searching for the category runs can look to add Swanson, as he's scored eight runs over his last seven games.
Aug 27   
Miguel Amaya  • C  •  Cubs

Miguel Amaya Tallies Up Four RBI In Win

Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya had a great day at the plate Monday as his team blew out the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Amaya, batting from the nine spot in the order, went 4-for-5 with two doubles and four RBI. The 25-year-old has been a productive hitting catcher for the Cubs all season but has really taken his game to the next level as of late. Since the All-Star break, Amaya is slashing .342/.381/.570 with four homers and 17 RBI over 26 games. Amaya has hit well enough recently to be considered adding in two-catcher or deep-league formats.
Aug 27   
Pete Crow-Armstrong  • CF  •  Cubs

Pete Crow-Armstrong Collects Three Hits, Swipes Three Bags On Monday

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong had a wild day on Monday as his team blew out the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8. Crow-Armstrong went 3-for-5 with three singles, a walk, an RBI, and three stolen bases. Crow-Armstrong has had an underwhelming year at the plate, but he has been better lately. In his past 15 games, he is slashing .306/.382/.633 with four homers and nine RBI. Despite his inconsistencies at the plate, though, he has emerged as one of the league's best base stealers, stealing 26 of 27 bags this season (ranking 15th in the MLB). Fantasy managers searching for speed or an outfielder should consider adding Crow-Armstrong, as he's only rostered in 15% of Yahoo leagues.
Aug 27   
LEGEND
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