Chicago Cubs minor league recap: Candelario shines for Smokies

Life in the minor leagues can be grueling while it’s relatively light for others. Now that the injury bug is slithering its way through the Chicago Cubs clubhouse, the road back to the show is paved in the junior ranks. We enjoy a rehab cup of coffee, a Pelican gets his wings and much more from the past few days on this week’s The Call-up.

Szczur comes and goes

When Matt Szczur was placed on the disabled list May 3rd with a mild hamstring strain, the immediate reaction was disappointment. Not that Szczur is a staple of the Cubs offense, but given the prior injuries to Kyle Schwarber and Miguel Montero, the loss of Szczur meant the loss of an above average outfielder that provides Joe Maddon with options late in a game. 

More from Chicago Cubs Prospects

• MLB Pipeline ranks Pete Crow-Armstrong as Cubs top prospect
• Cubs Prospect Spotlight: Luis Devers continues to dominate
• Cubs: Alexander Canario wins Southern League Player of the Month
• Cubs: Hayden Wesneski already among team’s top prospects
• Cubs Minors: Yohendrick Pinango is primed for a jump to Double-A Tennessee

Szczur was scheduled to do a rehab stint starting Thursday with Double-A Tennessee. In his Smokie debut, the 26-year-old went 0-1.

The initial test run went well but didn’t get to see the field Friday as the game was rained out. After a one at-bat appearance, Szczur was activated from the DL on Saturday and promptly rejoined the team in San Francisco to face the Giants.

Candelario earns top honors for Saturday

If you ever played baseball as a kid, think back to the big moment you dreamt about or even got to live out. For many of us, the dream involves hitting a game-winning home run with everything on the line.

Jeimer Candelario did just that Saturday night for Double-A Tennessee. After delivering early in the ballgame with a pair of RBI doubles and a single, the stage was set for late drama.

Having walked the two batters preceding Candelario, the third baseman crushed a go-ahead grand slam to right field. The effort was extraordinary and the showcase was heroic. Candelario, who is ranked 7th in the Cubs Prospect list, finished the day with four hits and seven RBI.

Former Pelicans skipper takes the helm for the Braves

Shortly after the firing of Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, former Pelicans skipper Brian Snitker was named the interim manager for the team.

Snitker was the first manager of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans starting in 1999. He finished his career there with a 238-179 record. The Decatur, IL native started the season as the manager of the Gwinnett Braves, the triple-A affiliate for Atlanta.

Snitker, 60, is now the first Pelicans manager to manage in the big league.

Next: Nathan signing is ahead of the game

Minor League Round-up

Iowa Cubs (18-23) 4th place in the Pacific Coast League American North Division

Last Week: (0-6), This Week: @Tacoma Rainiers May 22nd, vs. El Paso Chihuahuas May 23rd-26th, vs. Albuquerque Isotopes May 27th-28th

Tennessee Smokies (20-24) 4th place in the Southern League North Division

Last Week: (4-2), This Week: vs. Biloxi Shuckers May 22nd*-23rd, @Chattanooga Lookouts May 25th-28th

Myrtle Beach Pelicans (23-19) 2nd place in the Carolina League Southern Division

Last Week: (4-3), This Week: vs. Lynchburg Hillcats May 22nd-23rd, @Carolina Mudcats May 24th-26th, vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks May 27th-28th

South Bend Cubs (25-16) 1st place in the Midwest League Eastern Division

Last Week: (3-3), This Week: @Lake County Captains May 22nd-23rd, vs. Great Lakes Loons May 24th-26th, vs. Lansing Lugnuts May 27th-28th