Chicago Cubs News: Marcus Stroman delivers, Alexander Canario returns, and more
- Marcus Stroman delivers in Chicago Cubs sweep of Pittsburgh Pirates
- Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Alexander Canario begins rehab assignment
- Christopher Morel appears to be making adjustment back
Marcus Stroman delivers in Chicago Cubs sweep of Pittsburgh Pirates
Faced with an opportunity to sweep the first-place Pittsburgh Pirates and move to within 3.5 games of the top spot in the National League Central division, the Chicago Cubs turned to starting pitcher Marcus Stroman on Thursday night in what was a statement game for the team.
Stroman delivered.
As has been the case all season for Stroman, after talking the talk over this past weekend regarding his contract status, he put action to his words and extended and reminded everyone why he is the anchor at the top of the Cubs' rotation.
Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Alexander Canario begins rehab assignment
The Iowa Cubs sent Alexander Canario on a rehab assignment with the ACL Cubs on Thursday and Thursday night marked the first game action for Canario since he suffered a freak shoulder and ankle injury last full. Each injury required surgery and it was a devastating blow to the Cubs and Canario. Canario hit 37 home runs across three levels of the Cubs' organization last season and likely would have factored into the Cubs' plans at the Major League level this season had it not been for the injury.
For Canario, success this season will be his being able to return to play with the Iowa Cubs. Nothing else matters at this point in his recovery.
Christopher Morel appears to be making adjustment back
Chicago Cubs utility player Christopher Morel appears to be on the verge of doing something that he wasn't able to accomplish during his rookie season and that is making the adjustment back after Major League pitchers have altered their gameplan against him.
Morel had struggled after his hot start to the season but has shown promising signs over the past two weeks. Since June 3, in 29 plate appearances, Morel is slashing .333/.414/.667 with a wRC+ of 182. Most importantly, Morel's strikeout percentage over the past two weeks has improved dramatically with a mark of 10.3%. Morel's ability to adjust back is definitely an important piece of his development as it may alter his role at the Major League level moving forward.