Chicago Cubs News: Edwards gives up lead late as Cubs fall to Pirates

The Chicago Cubs bullpen has had a rough couple of days in Pittsburgh. After a 12-0 loss on Monday, Carl Edwards gave up two runs in the eighth to allow the Pirates to take the lead, and eventually get the win 4-3.

The Chicago Cubs led for most of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but that didn’t mean the game was safe. With Wade Davis being about the only sure thing the Cubs have in the bullpen, Joe Maddon went with Carl Edwards. That didn’t work out. The Pirates rallied from down 3-2 to take the lead. And if not for two baserunning mistakes at third base, it could have been worse. Who can Maddon trust in the pen aside from Davis?

The Cubs would have liked to have Justine Verlander down the stretch but weren’t willing to meet the Tigers demands. Even after Jake Arrieta hobbled off the mound off Monday’s game with a hamstring injury, it was still a wise move by the Cubs. Not only did they not have to give up any MLB talent from the roster, they also didn’t add a huge chunk of money to take on for next season.

The Cubs’ Arrieta said he felt fine after the game and didn’t expect to miss any time. While it wasn’t as bad as first believed, this is why you can’t always take the word of the player. Arrieta’s MRI showed a Grade 1 strain of the hamstring. In turn, the Cubs will skip him at least once–possibly twice–as they continue to use Mike Montgomery in the rotation.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs drop second straight to Pirates’ – Cubbies Crib

‘No Verlander, no problem for the Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Arrieta was hoping to not miss a start’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Reds top the Brewers 9-3’ – MLB.com

‘Red Sox tie it in 9th, win it in 19th’ – MLB.com

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Next: Cubs lose several in roster shuffle

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