Chicago Cubs News: Brennen Davis injury, Marcus Stroman statement start, and more

Jed Hoyer provides ominous update on injury to Chicago Cubs prospect Brennen Davis

The fall from top prospect status continues for Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Brennen Davis. Davis entered the 2022 season as the Cubs' top prospect but it was a season that was washed away due to back surgery and in that time, outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong ascended to the top prospect status in the Cubs' organization.

2023 was meant to be a season where Davis was to be fully healthy and regained value as a top prospect but that has not been the case. Davis is currently on the IL with Triple-A Iowa but the season has been a disappointment as he is slashing .197/.316/.299 with a wRC+ of 61 through 187 plate appearances. Davis' strikeout percentage has improved this season as it is down to 18.7% but that is the only encouraging metric of his season.

The news moving forward does not sound great either as Cubs' president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer provided this update on Wednesday.

At this rate, it would seem unlikely that Davis will reach the potential that he once had. Though, that statement is not as detrimental as it previously may have been given the ascension of Crow-Armstrong, Kevin Alcantara, and Owen Caissie.

Statement start for Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman on Thursday Night

Thursday night is an important start for Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman. Stroman has been a leader this season for the Cubs with the energy that he provides while on the mound. With the start on Thursday night, Stroman and the Cubs have a chance to sweep the Pittsburgh Pirates and move to within 3.5 games of first place in the National League Central division.

There has been plenty of trade speculation surrounding Stroman since he provided an update on contract negotiations with the Cubs over the weekend. Still, there are two facts that remain true: Stroman wants to stay with the Cubs and if the team plans on contending moving forward, the veteran starting pitcher needs to stay in Chicago. Expect Thursday night to be the latest case for Stroman as he continues to prove his importance to the team's rotation and success.

Cody Bellinger at first place appears to be the direction the Chicago Cubs are headed in

Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer provided more indication on Wednesday that when Cody Bellinger does return from his minor-league rehab assignment, the plan may very well be to play him at first base.

This is the right move for the Cubs. For as much emphasis has been made on the Cubs' front office not putting the most talented players on the roster, this would appear to be an instance where they are as Bellinger playing at first base would allow for the team to keep Mike Tauchman in the lineup as the center fielder. At this singular point in the Cubs' season, Tauchman is the more talented player over first base prospect Matt Mervis. That is not an indictment of Mervis by any means but if the team is planning on making a run this season, Mervis' struggling does not help their cause.

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