ST. LOUIS — A hamstring, a tweet and human nature conspired Sunday to send the media and much of the Cubs’ WiFi-connected fan base into a frenzy of speculation and source-checking.
Turns out the Cubs minor-league infielder who was pulled from his Class AA game departed because of a tight hamstring. The reported hugs in the dugout with his teammates were more likely somebody helping him walk.
So there was no trade for a Marlins reliever, the Rangers’ closer or — come on, people — the Mets’ Jacob deGrom.
This is where we are with the Cubs as the non-waiver trade deadline nears, even after a pair of deals with the Rangers in the last 10 days for versatile reliever Jesse Chavez and former ace Cole Hamels.
The Brewers are threatening. The Pirates are hot. And the dastardly Cardinals just spoiled another weekend, with the Cubs avoiding a three-game sweep with a come-from-behind 5-2 victory.
And with the hours quickly ticking down to the 3 p.m. deadline Tuesday, the temperature outside the clubhouse rises with every tweet and tight hammy.
What will the Cubs do to further bolster a pitching staff that got only three innings Saturday from Jose Quintana and that entered play Sunday with the worst starting ERA (4.16) among the 10 teams currently in playoff position?
What can they do about a lineup without injured third baseman Kris Bryant that entered play Sunday with only one game of more than two runs in its previous six?
Inside the clubhouse, however, the temperature is as cool as the other side of the Brewers. And starter Kyle Hendricks (7-9) looked even more chill, especially after giving up a two-run home run and the lead in the first.
Struggling for much of the season with the command that helped him earn the ERA title in 2016, Hendricks struck out eight without a walk in seven innings and retired the final 17 batters he faced.
Three unearned runs in the fifth did the rest for the Cubs, who evened their record at 6-6 since the All-Star break.
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‘‘We’ve got Jon [Lester] up next,’’ Hendricks said. ‘‘Hopefully, he can keep this momentum. And then with Hamels, I think he’s going to bring a lot of energy. Just seeing something new out there, I think he’s going to lift all of us up a little bit. I’m really looking forward to seeing him pitch Wednesday [in Pittsburgh].
‘‘Hopefully, this is the time these last two months we can start rattling off some good starts.”
After acquiring Hamels, Cubs president Theo Epstein said Friday he wasn’t done seeking help.
‘‘We’re still out there looking, and we will be right until the last minute before the deadline,’’ he said. ‘‘It gets harder after July 31.’’
Manager Joe Maddon said he senses the front-office activity.
‘‘I would not be surprised if they did [add another pitcher],’’ he said. ‘‘I’m not saying I’d be surprised if we didn’t. Just knowing Theo and [general manager] Jed [Hoyer] and how we operate, I’m certain they’re still looking into things.’’
But Maddon said the Cubs have enough right now to hold on to first place in the National League Central and make another October run, especially after the recent trades and assuming eventual good health.
Closer Brandon Morrow (biceps) hasn’t thrown a pitch since his last outing July 15, but he reported feeling much better and doesn’t anticipate a lengthy stint. Bryant vowed to return down the stretch better than he was before suffering the
injury to his left shoulder. And right-hander Yu Darvish — well, he might show up at some point, too.
‘‘Among the three of those guys, wow, what great acquisitions,’’ Maddon said. ‘‘Getting them back is going to make us look entirely different. But until that point, you may have to do some things to make it all work.’’
