Darwin Barney sets errorless games record but Cubs lose 3-1 to Brewers

The Cubs lost 3-1 to the Milwaukee Brewers in the third game of the four-game series Wednesday night at Wrigley Field.  Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs and allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out ten batters and walked none over seven innings pitched. 

Samardzija was charged with his 12th loss of the season, as the Cubs offense never really woke up tonight and the Shark's own throwing error in the seventh inning was what put the Brew Crew ahead.

Jeff Samardzija struck out ten batters against the Brewers on Wednesday night (photo from cubs.com)

The Cubs scored their only run in the second inning when Darwin Barney had an RBI groundout.  Speaking of Barney, his errorless game streak is now at 114 and he has set the NL record for consecutive errorless games by a second baseman in a season.  Barney was originally charged with an error in the seventh inning, but the call was later reversed and changed to Luis Valbuena, who missed Barney's throw to third base.  Phew! Darwin's streak lives on!

Manager Dale Sveum said the following about Barney, "He's made a conscious effort to be the best in baseball on an everyday basis.  Not one day have I seen him take any ground balls off or take any days off.  It's been the same routine, same intensity every single day for him."

Darwin Barney's errorless game streak is now at 114 games and has set a new record (Getty Images photo)

In other Cubs news, the Cleveland Indians claimed left-handed relief pitcher Scott Maine on waivers from the Cubs on Wednesday.  The Cubs also activated RHP Blake Parker from the 60-day disabled list and designated left-handed pitcher Alex Hinshaw for assignment.

On Monday, pitcher Scott Maine was designated for assignment to make room for catcher Anthony Recker on the 40-man roster.  Recker was acquired from the Oakland A's for catcher Blake Lalli.

Starlin Castro signed a seven-year, $60 million contract extension with the Cubs.  The contract doesn't include no-trade provisions but includes a $16 million club option for 2020 with a $1 million buyout clause and a $6 million signing bonus.  Half of the bonus is paid upfront, with $1 million spread out over the first three years, which includes base salaries of $5 million for both 2013 and 2014, followed by salaries of $6 million, $7 million, $9 million, $10 million and $11 million.

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said, "We’ve gotten to know him very well since (the sexual assault allegations).  And we feel completely comfortable investing in him long-term.  I thought he and his representatives handled themselves appropriately during the process."

Tomorrow the Cubs will play the final game in the four-game series against the Brewers at 1:20pm CT.  Brooks Raley will make the start for the Cubs and most likely won't go beyond five innings, since it's only his fifth major league start.

Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters make Cubs debut; Jeff Baker traded as Cubs lose 7-6 to Dodgers in crazy game

The Cubs lost 7-6 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the final game of the three-game series this afternoon.  This was also the Cubs' fifth loss in a row.  Justin Germano made the start for the Cubs and allowed two runs over three hits while walking none and striking out three batters. 

There was a little bit of excitement before the game as the news came out that the Cubs traded utility player Jeff Baker to the Detroit Tigers for two players to be named later and also optioned outfielder Tony Campana to Triple-A Iowa.  In corresponding moves, the Cubs called up outfielder Brett Jackson and third baseman Josh Vitters from Triple-A Iowa.

Jackson and Vitters were on a 6am flight from Des Moines to Dallas, then arrived in Los Angeles just in time to get in a quick batting practice session.  "I can promise I'm going to play the game as hard as I always do, and I play to win, and that's the type of player I am and that's the type of player I'll always be," Jackson said.  I like the sound of that!

The long awaited call-up of outfielder Brett Jackson finally happened on Sunday against the Dodgers (photo from cubs.com)

Jackson was batting .256 with 15 home runs, 22 doubles, 12 triples, and 158 strikeouts in 106 games at Iowa, while Vitters was hitting .304 with 17 home runs, 32 doubles and two triples in 110 games.

Both Jackson and Vitters made their major league debuts in today's game.  Jackson grounded out to first in his first at-bat, was walked in the third inning and singled in the fifth inning.  Vitters flied out while pinch-hitting in the seventh.

Scott Maine blew the Cubs' lead by allowing three runs in the fifth.  However, the Cubs regained the lead when Alfonso Soriano hit a 2-run double in the seventh inning.  Then James Russell gave up a 2-run double to Andre Ethier in the seventh, which gave the Dodgers a 6-5 lead.

But it wasn't over yet, as Anthony Rizzo hit a game-tying home run to start off the ninth, but unfortunately Hanley Ramirez hit a walk-off RBI to win the game for the Dodgers in the ninth with one out.  Shawn Camp was tagged with today's loss.


In other Cubs news, Matt Garza will not start on Tuesday and is instead headed to the disabled list, which will be retroactive to 16 days because of elbow stiffness.  Casey Coleman or Chris Rusin will start for the Cubs on Tuesday in San Diego.  Ugh.

Tomorrow the Cubs will start a three-game series against the San Diego Padres at 9:05pm CT.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to earn his fifth win of the season.  I'm excited for the future of this team, but a win would be nice!

Anthony Rizzo makes memorable debut in Cubs 5-3 win over Mets

The Cubs won 5-3 over the New York Mets at Wrigley Field tonight.  Scott Maine earned his first win of the season, as he pitched in relief of Randy Wells, who started in place of Ryan Dempster, who is on the disabled list because of a tight right lat.  Wells gave up three runs on six hits and walked four and struck out three batters in three innings pitched.

The big news of the day and night was top prospect Anthony Rizzo's Cubs debut.  And Rizzo gave Cubs fans something to cheer about as he went 2 for 4 with a double and also drove in the go-ahead run. 

Anthony Rizzo was impressive in his Cubs debut tonight (photo from cubs.com)

Anthony Rizzo chats with Cubs owner Tom Ricketts before Tuesday's game (photo from Paul Sullivan)

Wrigleyville is ready for Anthony Rizzo's Cubs debut (photo from Paul Sullivan)

The Cubs' front office watches as Anthony Rizzo takes batting practice before Tuesday's game (photo from Len & Bob)

"I think it's great to be this excited," General Manager Jed Hoyer said about Rizzo's arrival.  "I hope it comes with the understanding that there will be ups and downs.  It's hard to find players who come up and never struggle.  When they do that, they're in the Hall of Fame."  Well put, Mr. Hoyer.

Carlos Marmol earned his 100th save of his career tonight and is only the fourth Cub in franchise history to reach that number.

In other Cubs news, third baseman Ian Stewart, who has been on the disabled list since June 13th for a sore left wrist, is not ready to come off the disabled list yet, even though he is eligible to come off on Friday.  Stewart received a cortisone shot in his left hand to help relieve the pain and said, “No, I am not ready yet for [rehab].  We have to get through soft toss and hit on the field first, then we can go from there.  But this has weighed on me mentally because I really haven’t got any relief from the injections I have had.” 

Tomorrow the Cubs and Mets will play the series finale at 1:20pm at Wrigley Field.  Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs and try to earn his sixth win of the season.

Cubs hold inaugural Social Media Night and lose 9-2 to Phillies; Lendy Castillo to DL; Scott Maine called up

The Cubs lost 9-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies tonight at Wrigley Field.  Matt Garza started for the Cubs and allowed two runs during six and 2/3 innings pitched.

Garza had a 2.58 ERA, but remains stuck on two victories.  Before the game, Cubs manager Dale Sveum said, "Garza has an edge every time he steps on the mound," referring to his dominant pitching.

But Garza somehow loses that edge whenever he has to make fielding throw, especially when the opposing team tries to bunt against him.  Garza messed up fielding two bunts in today's game with very weak throws to Bryan LaHair at first base.

Shawn Camp ended up with the loss tonight and Michael Bowden allowed a grand slam in the ninth inning.  The Cubs' bullpen has definitely been the team's biggest weakness, blowing eight of 14 save chances.  Rookie closer Rafael Dolis is trying to learn on the job, veteran Kerry Wood has been struggling to find his control, and Carlos Marmol is on the disabled list with an injured hamstring.

On a brighter note, Alfonso Soriano, who went with a lighter bat again, hit a 2-run homer tonight, which was his second home run in a week. 

Matt Garza allowed two runs during 6 and 2/3 innings pitched (photo from cubs.com)

Blake DeWitt cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa today.  Dewitt has 24 hours to accept the assignment, which he is expected to do.

Carlos Marmol is at least 10 days away from coming off the disabled list.

The Cubs put Lendy Castillo on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain and called up Scott Maine from Triple-A Iowa to take his spot on the roster.

The Cubs held their inaugural Social Media Night tonight before and during the game. Below are some photos from the event:

The Cubs inaugural social media night panel (photo from @CMCWrigleyville twitter)

Cubs third baseman Ian Stewart displays his social media night card (photo from @Cubs twitter)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Phillies will play game 2 of 2 at 7:05pm CT at Wrigley Field.  Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs and try for his first win of the season.

Cubs beat the Dodgers 4-3 in 11 innings; Blake DeWitt designated for assignment

After a two hour and 41 minute rain delayed start, the Cubs beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4-3 in 11 innings in the final game of the 3 game series.  Travis Wood was called up from Triple-A Iowa to start in place of the flu-stricken Matt Garza.

The Cubs were trailing the Dodgers, 3-2 going into the ninth inning when Ian Stewart got a pinch-hit single.  Tony Campana hit a game-tying RBI double in the ninth inning and David DeJesus was walked with the bases loaded in the 11th inning to give the Cubs to a 4-3 victory over the Dodgers and the series win.  Rafael Dolis, who pitched two inning in relief, earned the win. 

David DeJesus wins it in 11th for the Cubs with a walk-off walk (photo from cubs.com)

To make room for Travis Wood on the roster, the Cubs designated Blake DeWitt for assignment for the second time this year.  DeWitt was also designated for assignment on February 6th to make room on the 40-man roster when the Cubs claimed infielder Adrian Cardenas off waivers from the Oakland Athletics.   He rejoined the team Feb. 23 as a non-roster Spring Training invitee after clearing waivers. 

Blake DeWitt was designated for assignment today to make room for Travis Wood on the Cubs' roster (photo from cubs.com)

In 18 games this year, DeWitt was batting .138 with one double and one RBI.  "Hopefully, he clears waivers and elects to stay with us," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said Sunday.  "It's an unfortunate thing, and more than anything, it's because of the flu bug.  It cost a guy a job in the big leagues.  It was our only chance to do anything."

Jeff Baker was unavailable for Saturday's game, but is feeling better and available for today's game.  Third baseman Ian Stewart is the latest victim of the flu that's been going around the Cubs' clubhouse and is out of the lineup today.  Stewart is one of five National League players to drive in at least 10 runs this season despite hitting under .200.  Joe Mather is taking Stewart's spot at third base today.

"It's one of those unfortunate things that a lot of teams deal with over the course of the year," Sveum said Sunday.  "Hopefully, we get [Stewart] back.  It hasn't been a one-day thing with anybody, guys have been completely down and out."  Apparentely the first player to get the flu was relief pitcher Scott Maine, who was recently optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Tomorrow the Cubs will start a 3-game series against the Atlanta Braves at 7:05pm CT at Wrigley Field.  Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs.

Dempster returns with a gem of a start for the Cubs, but bad Marmol also returns and blows the game

Ryan Dempster returned to the Cubs' roster from the 15-day disabled list today and pitched a gem of a game, but unfortunately Carlos Marmol was not on his game today and contributed to the Cubs loss to the Reds, 4-3 in 10 innings.

Dempster was excellent allowed just three hits and no runs and walked only one and struck out six batters during eight innings pitched.

Ryan Dempster pitched an excellent game on his birthday today, but his efforts were wasted by Carlos Marmol (photo from cubs.com)

Marmol was charged with all three runs in the ninth inning without recording an out, which allowed the Reds to tie the game.  The Reds then won the game in the 10th inning on a sacrifice fly.  Rafael Dolis was the losing pitcher.

Starlin Castro, Bryan LaHair, and Geovany Soto each hit solo home runs during today's game.

Today was the first time in major league history two opposing pitchers have shared the same birthday, according to the Elias Sports Bureau (Dempster turns 35 today and Homer Bailey turns 26 today).  Dempster also pitched well on his birthday last season but ended up with a no-decision.  The last Cubs pitcher to record a victory on his birthday was Randy Wells on August 28, 2010.

Since the Cubs activated Dempster and reliever Kerry Wood off the disabled list today, they also made corresponding moves and optioned Scott Maine and Wells to Triple-A Iowa.

Wells said, "The walks are the only thing really that spoils this whole thing.  I thought I pitched pretty good against the Reds, just the five walks look (terrible).  Obviously the fourth inning at Philly unraveled, and I let it get away from me.  But I'm no different than I have been the last three years.  I just had a bad inning.  Whatever.  Chalk it up as a bad day and go back to work."  It seems like Wells wasn't even being seriously considered in Spring Training for a position in the starting rotation, since he didn't get a chance to start in Arizona.  I think it's mostly a matter of too many starting pitchers and there not being enough room on the 25-man roster. 

Tomorrow the Cubs will open a six-game homestand and play the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field at 1:20pm CT.  Paul Maholm will start for the Cubs and Chad Billingsley will start for the Dodgers.

Tonight's Cubs vs. Reds game cancelled until a later date

After a two-hour and 13-minute rain delay, tonight's Cubs game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park was cancelled and will be played on a later date.  Jeff Samardzija, who was scheduled to pitch tonight, will start in tomorrow's game at 6:10pm CT.  Ryan Dempster will come off the disabled list and start for Thursday's game.

Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati was drenched in rain tonight (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Samardzija already had been given one extra day of rest after being pushed back in the Cubs' rotation.  "He's had plenty of rest," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said.

Paul Maholm, who was originally scheduled to start Wednesday, will now get extra time to rest and will start on Friday to open the Cubs' series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field.

The game postponement also gives the Cubs' bullpen a chance to recover.  Scott Maine has been sick, even though he was able to pitch on Monday.  Rafael Dolis was unavailable Tuesday but will be ready to go Wednesday, Sveum said.  Randy Wells will be available in the bullpen Wednesday, giving the Cubs eight available relievers, depending on how Maineis feeling.

Meanwhile, here's a fun photo from last night's Cubs-Phillies game:

Bryan LaHair is high-fived by Starlin Castro after hitting a home run to tie up the game on Monday against the Phillies (photo from Chicago Sun-Times)

Cubs lose series finale to the Phillies, 6-4; Kerry Wood and Ryan Dempster injury updates

The Cubs lost the series finale 6-4 to the Phillies and end up with a 2-2 split for the series.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs but didn't get off to a good start when he gave up four runs in the first inning to put the Cubs in a 4-0 hole.  Volstad was replaced in the sixth inning with Scott Maine when the score was 4-1.

Chris Volstad didn't get off to a good start against Phillies in the series finale tonight (photo from cubs.com)

However, the Cubs came alive and scored three runs in the eighth inning to tie the game at 4-4 from Bryan LaHair's two-run homer, which was his fifth of the season.

But in the bottom of the eighth inning, reliever Scott Maine hit Juan Pierre with a pitch and then Rafael Dolis came into the game and gave up a two-out single to Jimmy Rollins and a two-run double to Placide Polanco, which gave the Phillies a 6-4 lead.  The Cubs couldn't recover after that and ended up losing the series finale.

Kerry Wood, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since April 14th with shoulder fatigue, threw a bullpen session today with 22 pitches, including six sliders.  Wood gave a thumbs up when asked how he was feeling and is expected to return to the roster this Thursday.  Cubs manager Dale Sveum said that he plans to ease Wood back into the setup role so he may pitch in the seventh inning upon his return. 

Cubs reliever Kerry Wood is scheduled to return to the roster on Thursday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Ryan Dempster is also on track to return to the roster and make the start for the Cubs on Thursday.  He threw a successful bullpen session today and said, "I feel good and ready to go." 

Cubs starter Ryan Dempster is also scheduled to return to the roster on Thursday (photo from cubs.com)

Since Wood and Dempster are both scheduled to return to the roster on Thursday, the Cubs will have to also shift two players off the 25-man toster.  Randy Wells, who was called up from Triple-A Iowa to take Dempster's spot in the rotation, also threw a bullpen session today and will be available to pitch out of the bullpen starting Tuesday.  Sveum said he will decide Thursday whether they will utilize Wells in the bullpen or have him go to Iowa to stay stretched out as a starter.

Cubs pitcher Randy Wells could either stay on the roster in the bullpen or go to Iowa to stay stretched out (photo from Chicago Tribune)

The Cubs will travel to Cincinnati tomorrow to play the first of a three-game series against the Reds at 6:10pm CT.  Jeff Samardzija will get the start for the Cubs and try for his third win of the season.