WELCOME to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, steeped in writers’ tears, and then cold-brewed overnight for maximum flavor. No artificial intelligences were deployed, employed, entranced, or embalmed in the commission of this missive (apparently I might be training some though). Cub Tracks eagerly awaits the advent of robotic umpires and has already amended the three laws. The going is weird. Cub Tracks turned pro a long time ago.

Cub Tracks. Where the great ones run away.

The Cubs are playing for high steaks, umm, stakes, whether they be mutual with Omaha or no. They had a good game against the Giants, putting pressure on the defense and knocking a couple of balls over the fences.

Matthew Boyd looked good, Caleb Thielbar did well, and now we know why Gavin Hollowell is around.

Dansby Swanson is back. Busch and Tucker went 0-fer but they’ll no doubt fix that tonight. Ian Happ and Carson Kelly went out to launch.

Good times. Meatloaf at stake tonight.

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Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Chicago Cubs top pitching prospect Cade Horton in the mix to replace injured Shota Imanaga in rotation. “Hoyer stated there isn’t hesitancy relating to Horton himself, rather the Cubs are making sure it’s the right time to bring up Horton.” Tony Andracki has more. Patrick Mooney has words {$}. Jordan Bastian considers.
Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): After landing on IL, Imanaga (hamstring strain) awaits results of imaging. “We’ll get some information later and go from there,” Counsell said.
Alexander Patt (Cubbies Crib*): Unsung hero of the Cubs’ staff just became more important after Shota Imanaga injury. “… what Taillon has done over his last 50 starts is worth diving into.”
Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Kelly continues torrid start to season with HR in rout of Giants. “The Giants made a handful of miscues in the field that helped Chicago’s cause, but the Cubs’ lineup has been churning along even without any extra outs.”
Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): The Cubs are really dominating the stolen bases department on both sides of the game. “… it’s a credit to how solid Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly are at managing the running game…”
Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation*): In this lineup, Ian Happ can finally be the type of hitter he was always meant to be. “Over the last month, Happ’s .398 on-base percentage is among the top 15 in baseball.” Brett Taylor has more.
Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball*): This is the perfect time for Cubs to call up Kevin Alcántara. “Pete Crow-Armstrong can’t play every inning of every game in center field, and you don’t want to see him try. The Cubs should recall their top outfield prospect to spell him during a soft schedule patch.”
Maddie Lee (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong on offensive tear with permission to be himself: ‘Be a star’. “He’s got a pretty big personality, and I feel like he just hasn’t lost that at all,” said starting pitcher Jameson Taillon.
Randy Holt (North Side Baseball*): Chicago Cubs have the best outfield in Major League Baseball. “It’s not terribly surprising that the trio of Kyle Tucker, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ is baseball’s fiercest outfield trio, but also, it sort of is?”
Bob Nightengale (USA Today* {$}): Oldest living Met Jim Marshall reflects on 70 years in baseball, favorite teammate. “In 1963, Marshall was the first American-born player to go from the major leagues to Japan.” Marshall is also the oldest living former Cubs manager.

Food for thought:

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