Chicago Cubs News: Heartbreaking loss to the Yankees; Castro’s return

The Chicago Cubs were so close to finishing the game with a depleted bullpen. But one swing from the Yankees’ Brett Gardner crushed those hopes. The good news was another strong start from Kyle Hendricks, pitching a shutout for 6+ innings.

When two teams like the Chicago Cubs and the New Your Yankees come together, it’s a battle of traditions. The new versus the old. The Cubs held the 2-0 lead headed into the ninth, but with a depleted bullpen, they had few choices. Hector Rondon has pitched well this year, but this wasn’t his day as the Yankees’ Brett Gardner took a pitch on the inside corner into the right field seats for the eventual game-winner.

With the Yankees in town, the Cubs presented Aroldis Chapman with his World Series ring. He then rudely picked up the save against the Cubs. Former Cub Starlin Castro didn’t get a ring, but the Cubs’ fans welcomed him back as he was part of the process that helped turn them into a champion.

It can be a contentious topic. Kyle Schwarber is the Cubs’ third catcher, but not technically an “emergency” catcher. Even though the Cubs have two adequate ones in Willson Contreras and Miguel Montero, should Schwarber get a few more innings behind the plate than he is? It’s a question our Ryan Tadych took a look at–with a surprising answer.

Here are these and other stories you might have missed:

‘Gardner’s homer stuns Cubs in late loss’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs welcome back Castro to Wrigley’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Astros match best start in franchise history’ – MLB.com

‘In his career, Cubs’ Uehara has been best on no rest’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs, Schwarber have an underutilized partnership’ – Cubbies Crib

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