MLB
Hoerner went through a regular pregame warmup Thursday, testing his left hamstring as the Cubs evaluated his return timeline.
Automated ball-strike calls can add excitement and make umpires accountable, players say. But the system can also remove part of the human element of the game.
The Cubs opened a four-game series with the Pirates on Thursday.
Garrett Crochet and three relievers combine to shut out the Nationals as the Sox win a second straight series.
The team designated outfielder Rafael Ortega for assignment to free up the roster space.
It’s the infield’s turn to manage a spike in injuries.
Notes: Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ were out of the lineup Wednesday for the second straight game, but for different reasons.
The Cubs, who lost 7-0 Tuesday, have been shut out by the Braves in back-to-back games.
Erick Fedde and Andrew Vaughn help the Sox win the nightcap 4-0 after dropping the opener 6-3.
Crochet, Leasure, Lee, Ramos and the team’s improved overall play in recent weeks are looking up.
Soroka has a 6.39 ERA in nine starts.
The Cubs made the trade late Monday night.
The Cubs will not have a timeline for Alzolay’s injury recovery until doctors review his imaging.
Chris Flexen is one of many White Sox who could be dealt before the July 30 deadline.
The plan is for games at the team’s Arizona complex before a minor-league rehab assignment.
Notes: Craig Counsell logged his first ejection as Cubs manager, and Christopher Morel exited in the ninth.
The game will be made up in a straight doubleheader Tuesday.
Taillon felt good throwing off the mound Saturday, but the Cubs decided to give him another couple of days to recover from a back issue.
Hendricks held the Pirates to one run through five innings.
The Sox are 9-7 in their last 16 games after a 3-22 start.