#cubs

Jordan Wicks Will Start Tuesday in Pittsburgh, Where He Made Stellar MLB Debut PITTSBURGH — Jordan Wicks, the Cubs’ left-hander, will start Tuesday against the Pirates at PNC Park, the same venue where he made his major-league debut in August 2023. The 26-year-old pitcher will replace injured starter Edward Cabrera in the rotation, marking his first start of the 2026 season. Wicks’ return to Pittsburgh is a nostalgic moment for the player, who described the stadium as a “cool park to debut in” and recalled the excitement of the occasion. Wicks’ debut on August 26, 2023, was a memorable one. He faced the Pirates in a game that ended in a 10-6 Cubs victory. The first batter he encountered, Ke’Bryan Hayes, hit his second pitch of the game down the left-field line for a home run, quickly turning the game into a loud, electric atmosphere. Despite the early challenge, Wicks settled in, retiring the next 15 Pirates batters he faced and striking out nine. He left the game with a 2-1 lead and was credited as the winning pitcher. His performance earned praise from Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy, who made a deliberate visit to the mound during the game. Wicks remembered the moment as “the greatest mound visit ever,” though Hottovy clarified it was more of a friendly reminder than a strategic adjustment. Hottovy told Wicks to trust his mechanics and focus on his strengths, particularly his changeup. “I told him: ‘McCutchen is a smart hitter. He walked on a really good changeup. You keep doing the same thing, the rest of the lineup, they want to swing,’” Hottovy recalled. Wicks followed the advice, striking out the side in the second inning and retiring all 15 batters he faced.#pittsburgh #cubs #pnc_park #jordan_wicks #tommy_hottovy

MLB Week of May 4, 2026: Key Series and Storylines to Watch The week of May 4, 2026, promises a packed schedule of high-stakes matchups across Major League Baseball, with several series carrying significant implications for division races and playoff positioning. Among the highlights are the first meeting between the reigning American League champions and an unexpected division rival, a pivotal clash in the NL Central, and a rematch of past postseason battles. Here’s a breakdown of the most compelling games and narratives to follow. The Blue Jays and Rays will open the week with a three-game series, offering a chance for Toronto to rebound from a slow start. The Rays, currently second in the AL East with a 21-12 record, have dominated the Blue Jays in recent matchups, winning seven of 13 games in 2025. The Blue Jays, sitting third at 16-18, face a daunting challenge as they attempt to close the 5.5-game gap. The Rays’ rotation features three formidable pitchers—Nick Martinez, Drew Rasmussen, and Shane McClanahan—though McClanahan’s return to form after two injury-plagued seasons makes him the most critical matchup. The Blue Jays’ recent surge, including a strong finish to the 2025 season, could provide momentum, but the Rays’ depth and pitching prowess make this a tough series for Toronto. In the NL Central, the Reds and Cubs will square off in a four-game series that could reshape the division’s hierarchy. The Reds, led by a strong start to the season, have won four of the last five season series against the Cubs, including an 8-5 record in 2025. The Cubs, however, have been on a roll, riding a five-game win streak and a 11-game winning streak at Wrigley Field.#mlb #rays #blue_jays #cubs #reds

Roki Sasaki's Splitter Emerges as Key Weapon in Dodgers' Victory Over Cubs Roki Sasaki made a significant stride in his Major League Baseball (MLB) development during the Dodgers' 12-4 victory over the Cubs on Saturday, showcasing a revamped splitter that became his most frequently used pitch. The 23-year-old Japanese star, who has long been lauded for his potential, faced challenges in his rookie season due to inconsistencies with his fastball, which limited his ability to effectively complement his splitter. This year, however, Sasaki has embraced adjustments to his arsenal, with his splitter proving instrumental in the game. The splitter, a pitch Sasaki has called his "signature offering," was thrown 48 times during the start, the highest usage of any pitch in his MLB career this season. This marked a notable shift from his previous season, when the splitter accounted for only half of his pitches on May 9, 2023. The pitch’s effectiveness was underscored by its improved velocity and spin rate. Sasaki averaged 90.8 mph with the splitter, a 5.8 mph increase from his season average, and his spin rate reached 991 rpm, significantly higher than his typical 574 rpm. These metrics align with his performance during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where his splitter averaged 91 mph and around 1,100 rpm. Manager Dave Roberts highlighted the splitter’s evolution, noting that it now "tunnels more like the fastball," a characteristic that could lead to more swing-and-miss outcomes. Despite allowing four runs, including three solo home runs, Sasaki pitched into the sixth inning for the first time this season, demonstrating improved durability. His ability to command the splitter early in counts also stood out, as he secured a first-pitch strike in nine of 10 instances.#dave_roberts #dodgers #cubs #roki_sasaki #splitter

Pitchers Boost Velocity in 2026, Raising Questions About Performance and Health The 2026 Major League Baseball season has seen a notable surge in fastball velocity, with the average four-seam fastball clocking in at 94.6 mph through early April. This marks a significant jump from the 91.9 mph average recorded in 2008, when pitch-tracking technology first became widely used. Similarly, sinkers have gained speed, averaging 93.9 mph this season compared to 90.7 mph in 2008. While velocity has long been a focal point for pitchers, the 2026 season highlights how improvements in speed are reshaping performance and health outcomes for several key players. Shota Imanaga, the Cubs’ left-handed starter, has emerged as a standout example of how velocity can rebound after injury setbacks. Imanaga missed nearly two months of the 2025 season with a left hamstring strain, which led to a drop in his fastball velocity. His four-seamer averaged 90.7 mph during his final 17 starts of the year, down from his rookie season average of 92.1 mph. This decline contributed to a down year, as his fastball became his least valuable pitch, with a run value of -10. However, Imanaga has since rebounded, carrying over his Spring Training velocity bump into the 2026 season. Through April 6, his four-seamer averaged 92.2 mph, a +1.4 mph increase from 2025. The improvement has translated to tangible results. Imanaga has thrown 12 pitches at least 93 mph this season, a stark contrast to just 13 such instances in 2025. In his April 3 start against the Guardians, his fastball sat at 92.6 mph in the fifth inning, matching his pre-injury velocity. Imanaga acknowledged the importance of velocity, stating, “For me, velo isn’t everything, but obviously, having velocity is an advantage.#major_league_baseball #cubs #marlins #shota_imanaga #janson_junk

Cubs vs. Pirates MLB Prediction and Betting Insights for April 10, 2026 The Chicago Cubs will host the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game series starting on Friday, April 10, 2026. The matchup, set for 2:20 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field, features two teams with contrasting records. The Pirates enter the series with a 7-5 overall record, having split their last four games and posting a 3-3 road record. The Cubs, meanwhile, sit at 6-6, with a 3-3 home record in 2026. The game will be highlighted by the starting pitching matchup, with Chicago’s Shota Imanaga (0-1, 4.50 ERA) facing Pittsburgh’s Carmen Mlodzinski (0-0, 4.00 ERA). Imanaga has allowed just one earned run in 26 innings against the Pirates this season, while Mlodzinski has yet to record a win in 2026. The Cubs are favored on the money line at -143, meaning bettors would need to wager $143 to win $100, while the Pirates are listed at +120. The over/under total for the game is set at 6.5 runs. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has historically performed well in MLB betting, simulated the game 10,000 times and concluded the total would likely exceed 6.5 runs. The model’s analysis suggests the Pirates have a strong chance to push the total over, as they’ve gone Over in four of their last five games. The Cubs, meanwhile, have also leaned toward the Over in five of their last six Friday games. The model’s projections for individual player performance add depth to the prediction. For the Pirates, Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Ryan O’Hearn are expected to collectively contribute over 1.8 total bases, while the Cubs’ Alex Bregman and Michael Busch are projected to exceed 1.7 total bases. The model’s simulation also indicated a high likelihood of the total runs surpassing 8.7, with the Over hitting 71% of the time.#wrigley_field #cubs #pirates #shota_imanaga #carmen_mlodzinski

Cade Horton Injured, Cubs Face Uncertain Future Cade Horton, the Chicago Cubs' right-handed pitcher, suffered a forearm injury during Friday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, forcing him to leave the contest in the second inning. The injury has raised concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season, with both Horton and manager Craig Counsell expressing cautious optimism. While initial reports suggested the injury might not be as severe as feared, the Cubs’ medical team is still assessing the extent of the damage. The injury comes at a critical juncture for the Cubs, who had relied heavily on Horton’s performance to bolster their rotation. His absence could significantly impact the team’s chances of competing in the National League Central. The Cubs are now looking to Colin Rea, a promising prospect, to step into the rotation. Rea, who has shown potential in the minors, is being considered as a possible replacement, though his readiness for a major league role remains uncertain. Horton’s injury also complicates the Cubs’ plans for the upcoming season. The team had hoped to build on their recent success, having bounced back from a losing streak with a win against the Guardians. However, the loss of their key pitcher has shifted the focus to managing the injury and preparing for the challenges ahead. The Cubs’ front office is reportedly evaluating options for long-term solutions, including potential trades or roster adjustments. The injury has sparked discussions about the Cubs’ depth and their ability to sustain success without key players. Prospect James Triantos, who has been performing well in the minors, is being highlighted as a potential future asset. His recent two-homer game has drawn attention, but the team’s immediate needs remain centered on stabilizing the rotation.#cubs #cade_horton #cleveland_guardians #craig_counsell #colin_rea

Jason Heyward announces retirement after 16 years in big leagues Jason Heyward, a World Series champion, five-time Gold Glove winner, and All-Star outfielder, officially retired from Major League Baseball after a 16-season career. The announcement came via MLB Central on Friday, marking the end of his journey with teams including the Braves, Cubs, Cardinals, Dodgers, Astros, and Padres. Known for his defensive prowess and leadership, Heyward’s career spanned over a decade, with his most iconic moments coming during his time with the Cubs from 2016 to 2022. Heyward’s professional journey began in 2010 when he debuted with the Atlanta Braves, a team that selected him in the 2007 first-round draft from Henry County High School in McDonough, Georgia. His rookie season was standout, as he posted a .277/.393/.456 slash line in 142 games, earning him a runner-up finish for NL Rookie of the Year behind Giants catcher Buster Posey. Over the next five years, he solidified his reputation as a top-tier defender, winning two Gold Glove Awards while playing for the Braves and Cardinals. His performance led to an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Cubs in 2016, then the largest free-agent deal in the team’s history. Despite his defensive excellence, Heyward’s offensive contributions were occasionally overshadowed. However, his impact extended beyond the field, particularly during the 2016 World Series. As the Cubs faced a rain delay in Game 7, Heyward delivered a motivational speech to his teammates, reminding them of their resilience and the team’s historic regular-season success. His words helped rally the squad, leading to a dramatic 10th-inning victory that broke a 108-year championship drought for the franchise.#atlanta_braves #chicago #cubs #jason_heyward #mlb_central

Cubs and Nico Hoerner Agree to 6-Year Contract Infielder Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs have reportedly reached a six-year contract agreement, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. The deal comes as Hoerner, 28, prepares to avoid becoming a free agent after the 2025 season. He was set to enter free agency following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, having completed a three-year, $35 million contract he signed prior to the 2023 MLB season. Hoerner has established himself as a reliable performer throughout his seven-year professional career. During the 2025 season, he recorded a batting line of .297/.345/.394, contributing 29 doubles, 7 home runs, 61 runs batted in, and 29 stolen bases in 649 plate appearances. His consistent output has made him a valuable asset to the Cubs’ lineup, and the new contract underscores the team’s confidence in his contributions moving forward. The agreement marks a significant development for both parties, as it secures Hoerner’s future with the Cubs for the next six seasons. The deal is expected to provide stability to the team’s infield while offering Hoerner long-term financial security. Details about the contract’s financial terms were not disclosed, but the extension reflects the player’s impact on the roster and his potential for continued growth. This breaking news story will be updated.#2025_season #mlb #nico_hoerner #cubs #jesse_rogers

Cubs Legends Anthony Rizzo and David Ross Team Up for Podcast Celebrating 2016 World Series The Chicago Cubs are commemorating the 10th anniversary of their 2016 World Series victory throughout 2026, with plans for a team reunion on July 18. The championship, which ended a 108-year title drought, remains a defining moment in franchise history, and many key players from that era continue to engage with the team and its fans. Anthony Rizzo, the former first baseman who retired in 2025 after a 14-year MLB career, has remained connected to the Cubs by pursuing a broadcasting career. He will work for NBC Sports and Netflix, while David Ross, who played for the Cubs from 2007 to 2016, concluded his 15-year playing career with the 2016 title. Ross later managed the Cubs from 2020 to 2023 before transitioning to television as an ESPN analyst. Rizzo and Ross are now collaborating on a new project as the 2026 season begins. They announced the "Lovable Reunion" podcast, which will feature interviews with former members of the 2016 championship team. The show aims to share stories and memories from that historic season, with Rizzo describing it as a chance to "sit down and everyone tells stories." The podcast will include filmed interviews and behind-the-scenes insights from the 2016 Cubs' title run. Guests confirmed for the series include Kris Bryant, Joe Maddon, Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, John Lackey, Kyle Schwarber, and Addison Russell. Ross noted that the players are "ticked off" they can’t join the sessions in person, as the conversations often extend beyond the planned two-hour sessions. The first episode of the podcast is set to debut on March 31, 2026. The project reflects the enduring bond between the 2016 team members, who continue to connect with fans and each other despite their individual paths in baseball.#anthony_rizzo #david_ross #2016_world_series #cubs #kris_bryant