Adam Warren good, Cubs not good enough in 5-3 loss to Reds

Adam Warren did his part in Wednesday’s spot start against the Reds but the rest of the day didn’t go so well for the Cubs in a 5-3 rubber match loss at Wrigley Field.

“He did an outstanding job,” Cubs manager Joe said of Warren who pitched five impressive innings in a one-time start designed to give the Cubs’ starters an extra day of rest.

Despite retiring the last 11 batters he faced and giving the bullpen a 3-1 lead, Warren (3-1, 4.11 ERA) finished with a no decision. The right-hander struck out six and gave up just one earned run — a first inning leadoff home run to Zack Cozart.

Maddon expects Warren to get another turn in the Cubs starting rotation after the All-Star break.

“I was pleased with the way I threw the ball,” Warren said. “It’s nice to be able to give the starters a break during a long stretch.”

Shortstop Addison Russell, who was named a starter for the National League All-Star team on Tuesday, was one of the more productive Cubs in the series.

Against the Reds this week, Russell hit three home runs, one double and batted in seven runs.

Even with a couple of recent notable performances by the Cubs, they have lost 12 of their last 17 games.

“I really can’t explain it right now,” Russell said. “Obviously the past few weeks…it hasn’t been working. But we still have high hopes and high faith.”

NOTES:

–To make room on the roster for Warren, veteran right-hander Joel Peralta, who joined the Cubs’ bullpen last week was designated for assignment after five appearances (four earned runs, four innings pitched).

–Catcher David Ross who left Tuesday’s game after taking a hard foul ball off his mask, was placed on the 7-day concussion DL before Wednesday’s game.

–Infielder Tommy La Stella (hamstring) was activated after four weeks on the DL and started at third base with Kris Bryant in right field. He singled in four at-bats.

–When Jay Bruce was caught stealing by Miguel Montero in the ninth inning, it marked the first time in eight tries the Reds were caught during their victories the last two days (four different players stealing bases).