Chicago Cubs: Yu Darvish suffers setback; bats crush Twins in opener

The Chicago Cubs opened a homestand with a win Friday, as they received disappointing news on right-hander Yu Darvish, who experienced a setback.

Returning to Wrigley Field as June draws to a close, the Chicago Cubs rolled in a series-opening win over the Minnesota Twins. The Cubs have played the fewest home games in baseball this year, so hopefully a summer homestand can get the club firing on all cylinders heading into the All-Star Break.

Mike Montgomery pitched well, despite lasting just five innings. The left-hander allowed just three earned on seven hits, striking out five. From there, a combination of five Cubs relievers allowed one earned run over four innings – with that tally coming against Justin Wilson, who continues to struggle of late.

With the bats, Addison Russell drove in four more runs – this time on one swing. Leadoff man Albert Almora continues to swing a hot bat, racking up three hits and raising his average to .324. That ranks second in the National League, mere points behind league leader Scooter Gennett.

And let’s not forget Jason Heyward and Kyle Schwarber, both of whom blasted homers in the win.

Aside from the Cubs’ win, we got some unsavory news on right-hander Yu Darvish. After flying to Texas for a consultation, he was diagnosed with a right elbow impingement. They treated it with a cortisone shot, which will take the better part of a week to set in. At this point, it’s hard to imagine him on the mound before the All-Star Break.

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What’s Next

Chicago and Minnesota do battle again Saturday afternoon at the Friendly Confines. Tyler Chatwood starts for the Cubs opposite Adalberto Mejia. First pitch is set for 1:20 p.m. CT.