Chicago Cubs Weekly Recap: Anthony Rizzo earns NL honors, Dbacks sweep

The Chicago Cubs were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-game series at Chase Field following the 2014 All-Star Game festivities in Minnesota.

The Week: 0-3  Season: 40-57, Last in the National League Central

The Good – Anthony Rizzo has started the second half right where he finished the first. He hit three home runs in the series, two in the opening game, and is tied with Miami Marlins’ Giancarlo Stanton for the NL lead. For his performance Rizzo was named the NL Player of the Week.

The Bad – Jake Arrieta had another solid outing, but three late runs was enough to saddle him with the loss in the series finale. Arrieta saw his ERA balloon..to 2.12.

The Ugly – Travis Wood‘s road struggles continued as he is now 4-6, with a 6.29 ERA away from Wrigley Field. Might be a good idea to manipulate the rotation so that he pitches at home only the rest of the season.

The performance on the field hasn’t been very encouraging to start the second half, but there are things in motion that should have Cubs fans intrigued, if not excited.

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Arismendy Alcantara started the second half with an 0-for-11 slump before knocking in a run in the series finale. Despite his recent slide, Alcantara has impressed defensively in the infield and outfield.

Kyle Hendricks, the Cubs’ 2013 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, and Tsuyoshi Wada join the big league club in the fourth and fifth rotation spot.

Dan Straily, acquired from in the Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel trade to the A’s on the Fourth of July, may also audition for the rotation. Zac Rosscup has already been optioned to Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding roster move and at least one more move will be made soon for the 25-man roster.

Emilio Bonifacio continued his minor league rehab stint in Tennessee as he battles back from an oblique strain. When Bonifacio is called up to Chicago Alcantara, Junior Lake, and Mike Olt could all be subjected to a move to Iowa.

The Cubs will get back to a normal schedule this week against the Padres and then the Cardinals, all at Wrigley Field. With three straight losses to start the second half, the Cubs home some time at home can help bring some good news.