NEWSLETTER
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Yesterday, the Cubs had the most stress-free ninth inning save I can remember this entire season. In case you missed it, Keegan Thompson came on with a 5-2 lead and immediately struck out the side on just 15 pitches. And that raised the vibes – significantly – given how horrible the ninth inning has been for the Cubs all year. But almost immediately after it looked like the Cubs might have stumbled onto a new primary (though not exclusive) ninth inning option, we learn that he’s temporarily out!
Oh no! Another injury?! Nah. It’s good news. Very good news, in fact. Keegan Thompson had a baby! So he’s headed to the paternity list.
Seeing as Thompson doesn’t work back-to-back games very often AND there’s an off-day tomorrow, this shouldn’t be much of a disruption (remember, the paternity list is a maximum of three games, anyway). In fact, it’s kind of a nice way to get a fresh arm without anyone actually getting hurt or being cut/demoted.
That arm will be Porter Hodge, who has shown some electric stuff in a tiny sample this season, and definitely seems like he could turn into a legitimate relief weapon long-term. Of course, that all depends on his ability to keep his stuff under control. Hodge didn’t walk any batters in his first 4.1 IP this season, but then walked three in 0.2 innings after that (it was one of those all-the-way-wild outings you’ll sometimes expect from him). With Kyle Hendricks stepping back into the rotation today, it’s likely going to be a busy bullpen day, and I’d expect to see Hodge at some point.
We also have some injury news, and I think(?) it’s good stuff. Well, it definitely is good stuff, but it’s just still a little vague.
According to multiple reports on X, Ben Brown (neck strain) has begun throwing again. The actual diagnosis is oddly phrased, but it’s apparently getting better and that’s all that matters.
Whether he’s stepping in as the fifth starter or turns into one of the higher leverage arms in the pen, Ben Brown is a critical piece of the puzzle for the Cubs this season. So the sooner he can get back, the better.
