Chicago Cubs minor league recap: South Bend is rolling

There is no sweeter feeling than to know that we live in a country that provides the type of entertainment like Chicago Cubs baseball. While today marks a day of observance and remembrance for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms, I can’t think of a better celebration of Americana than minor league baseball. We’ve got a rollercoaster call-up, South Bend’s hot streak, I-Cubs strong weekend, and a weekly round-up on this week’s The Call-up.

Wagner joins Iowa for the fourth time

If you were to ask Iowa Cubs right-hander Michael Wagner how he has enjoyed the season so far, you may want to sit down for his answer. On Saturday, Wagner rejoined the Triple-A Cubs for the fourth time already this year.

Wagner, 24, last started May 12th and has not lasted longer than two appearances at any point in that stretch.

The constant change between Advanced Single-A and Triple-A can be difficult as it usually means a high learning curve and more seasoned opposition.

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in 13 1/3 innings this season, Wagner holds a 6.08 ERA with 14 strikeouts. The fourth time wasn’t the charm as Wagner was chased from the game after relinquishing five hits, three runs, one earned in 4 2/3 innings in a 4-3 win for Iowa.

As of now, Wagner remains with the Cubs, but I would expect that to change at some point.

South Bend on a heater

Fans of the Northside crew have become accustomed to winning the past two years. While it may seem that all the talent has arrived, the Class-A Midwest affiliate for the Chicago wants to show that there is a wealth of talent still in the minors waiting to be unleashed.

The South Bend Cubs are coming off a week in which they went 6-1 and have won nine of their last eleven games. During that stretch, the Cubs have put up impressive offensive numbers with outputs of 7, 10, 6, 6, 8, 10, and 4. That doesn’t even include the 17-3 beating that the Lansing Lugnuts suffered on Saturday night.

The great vibes coming from Northern Indiana have resulted in the best record in the Midwest League and the front-runners in the Cubs farm system.

I-Cubs rolling into the holiday

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer season. For the Iowa Cubs, it also marks the point at which the find their stride offensively.

Hosting the Albuquerque Isotopes in a four-game weekend set, the Iowa Cubs were looking to improve on their dismal record so far. The Cubs entered Monday’s holiday having taken the first three games of the series.

Cubs catcher Willson Contreras put on a show for the fans and put up their best offensive day since defeating Omaha 10-3 on May 9th.

Contreras, 24, went 4-for-5 with five RBI including a grand slam. He added another long ball late in the game. The two-homer game now gives Contreras the team lead at eight.

While the spotlight was firmly on the Cubs catcher, Albert Almora quietly went 3-for-5 and is hitting .318 for the year. While the wins haven’t started coming in bunches just yet, the Cubs do have three players hitting well over .300 with Dan Vogelbach knocking on the door at .298. It’s only a matter of time for the victories to start piling up.

Next: Resurgence for Soler

Minor League Round-up

Iowa Cubs (23-26) 3rd place in the Pacific Coast League American Northern Division

Last Week: (3-4), This Week: vs. Albuquerque Isotopes May 29th-30th, @Oklahoma City Dodgers May 31st-June 3rd, vs. Memphis Redbirds June 4th

Tennessee Smokies (23-27) 3rd place in the Southern League North Division

Last Week: (2-5), This Week: @Chattanooga Lookouts May 29th, vs. Jackson Generals May 31st-June 4th

Myrtle Beach Pelicans (27-23) 2nd place in the Carolina League Northern Division

Last Week: (3-3), This Week: vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks May 29th*-30th, @Salem Red Sox June 1st-3rd, vs. Potomac Nationals June 4th

South Bend Cubs (31-18) 1st place in the Midwest League Eastern Division

Last Week: (6-1), This Week: vs. Lansing Lugnuts May-29th-30th, @Fort Wayne TinCaps May 31st-June 2nd, vs. West Michigan Whitecaps June 3rd-4th**Doubleheader

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