David Bote marks return with two-run homer

After coming off the injured list, David Bote marked his return to the Cubs’ lineup with a two-run homer in their 5-1 victory Sunday over the Diamondbacks.

Bote has tried to block out what’s coming in the next week and the implications for the franchise. He’s not the only Cubs player to do that.

“You have to,” Bote said. “If you’re worried about what happens next week or two weeks from now, you’re going to get punched in the face. You cannot be focused not on today and expect to do well in this game.”

To make room for Bote, who was out with a dislocated left shoulder, pitcher Trevor Megill was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Javy scare

The Cubs — and potential suitors in the trade market — got quite a scare in the bottom of the eighth when Javy Baez went to the ground after trying to beat out a grounder. Baez hobbled off the field but stayed in the game to play defense in the ninth.

Manager David Ross said he believes Baez is all right, but “we’ll see” Monday. As for what happened, Ross said he knew but didn’t divulge much, other than to say it’s an injury below the knee.

Williams, Kimbrel deliver

Trevor Williams picked up his first victory since May 26 after missing more than a month following an appendectomy, throwing 6⅓ scoreless innings and striking out six. He departed in the seventh with runners on first and second, but reliever Ryan Tepera stranded both.

“The biggest thing was knowing that we had a chance to win a series today,” Williams said.

Closer Craig Kimbrel — a potential trade chip — got the last out for his 23rd save.

Next for Wick

Reliever Rowan Wick (left oblique strain) was with the Cubs but will continue his rehab at Triple-A Iowa after a simulated game Monday.

Wick began his rehab at High-A South Bend, where he had a 0.00 ERA in three appearances. Over the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the Cubs, Wick had a 2.66 ERA in 50⅔ innings.