Robinson Chirinos overjoyed to be with Cubs

The Robinson Chirinos Story just keeps getting better.

Friday brought a two-homer game for the veteran backup catcher, who signed with the Cubs 20 years ago at age 17 and spent 10 years knocking around their minor-league system before finally reaching the majors with the Rays.

His 2021 season started with a broken right wrist that required surgery after being hit by a pitch during Yankees spring training. Signed by the Cubs once healthy, the well-traveled 37-year-old fought his way back to the majors and homered off the bench on July 6 in his second game with them at Wrigley Field.

“You always dream of seeing yourself here and doing good,” he said. “I’ve been enjoying it since the first time I walked in the clubhouse to get my physical. Now seeing the fans cheering for you — it’s a dream come true, something I don’t take for granted.”

WIECK PLAN

Left-handed reliever Brad Wieck (irregular heartbeat) has opted to undergo a second cardiac ablation procedure and was moved to the 60-day injured list.

“He’s in a good place with it,” Cubs manager David Ross said before Friday’s game. “He was going to try to avoid it and went through another episode.”

The procedure will be similar to the one Wieck underwent two springs ago, when he was able to return to camp two days later. There is no timetable on his latest procedure, although it is hoped he will have it soon.

Wieck, 29, tossed 17 scoreless innings in the majors before his recent setback. He last pitched on July 6.

“He’s finally made the decision of what’s best for him and his family,” Ross said. “I don’t envy having to make all those choices and having to deal with that issue. That’s real life-threatening stuff.”

FARGAS CLAIMED

Speedy outfielder Johneshwy Fargas will take Wieck’s place on the 40-man roster after the Cubs claimed him off waivers from the Mets. Fargas, 26, hit .286 in 21 big-league at-bats in May before landing on the IL with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder. Fargas stole 40 or more bases in four of five seasons in the minors from 2015-19. He bats right and can play all three outfield spots.

DUFFY RETURNS

Matt Duffy, out since late May with a lower back strain, was activated off the 60-day IL and went 0-for-3 with a walk. Playing third base, he took a third-inning tumble as he hurdled Christian Walker on an attempted forceout but hopped right back up.

Veteran utility man Eric Sogard was designated for assignment after hitting .249 in 169 at-bats.

CLEVELAND THOUGHTS

Ross sounded ambivalent on the Cleveland Guardians as the new nickname of the team the Cubs defeated in the 2016 World Series.

His son Cole is a fan of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie series. Then again, “Major League” is one of Ross’ favorite films and the “Indians” are no more.

“It doesn’t fit for me yet, but the younger generation and how they roll, I’m sure they had a lot of thoughts about that,” Ross said. “I understand all the reasons why, and I 100% support that. Guardians — we’ll get on board with it as soon as possible.”

Jake working way back

Right-hander Jake Arrieta, on the IL since July 7 with a tight right hamstring, threw a 63-pitch bullpen session on Thursday in St. Louis and reported no issues in the aftermath. He could face hitters in live batting practice next week.