27 days ago
A manager at Childline Liverpool has paid tribute to the charity's "wonderful" founder Dame Esther Rantzen.
Dame Esther, who presented BBC One's show That's Life! for 21 years and launched the charity counselling service for young people 40 years ago, died on Wednesday at the age of 86.
Dame Esther hosted and produced the programme from 1973 to 1994 which regularly attracted 20m viewers for its mix of serious consumer investigations and light-hearted items.
Marian Blackburn, a team leader at Childline Liverpool, said the star was "kind, compassionate and formidable" and everyone was "deeply saddened" at the news.
Dame Esther launched Childline in 1986 and in 2013 set up Silver Line to help elderly people suffering from isolation and loneliness.
#dame #esther #people #wednesday
Dame Esther, who presented BBC One's show That's Life! for 21 years and launched the charity counselling service for young people 40 years ago, died on Wednesday at the age of 86.
Dame Esther hosted and produced the programme from 1973 to 1994 which regularly attracted 20m viewers for its mix of serious consumer investigations and light-hearted items.
Marian Blackburn, a team leader at Childline Liverpool, said the star was "kind, compassionate and formidable" and everyone was "deeply saddened" at the news.
Dame Esther launched Childline in 1986 and in 2013 set up Silver Line to help elderly people suffering from isolation and loneliness.
#dame #esther #people #wednesday
2 months ago
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs reinstated right-hander Edward Cabrera from the 15-day injured list before Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and placed righty Trent Thornton on the 15-day IL with a left ankle sprain.
Cabrera went on the injured list on Aug. 17 with a right middle finger blister — a condition that has vexed him — then made three rehab appearances with Triple-A Iowa.
The 28-year-old Cabrera, acquired from Miami in an offseason trade, is 5-5 with a 5.68 ERA in 76 innings over 15 games, all starts. Manager Craig Counsell said before Saturday's game against Pittsburgh that Cabrera would switch to the bullpen for now.
This was Cabrera's third stint on the IL this season and followed one for a left hamstring/adductor strain suffered on June 23 in New York. The righty was hurt against the Mets when he went into the splits while stretching for a throw as he covered first base, an injury that sidelined Cabrera for nearly two months.
Thornton is 5-5 with three saves and 3.35 ERA in 48 1/3 innings over 48 relief appearances.
#Chicago #thornton
Cabrera went on the injured list on Aug. 17 with a right middle finger blister — a condition that has vexed him — then made three rehab appearances with Triple-A Iowa.
The 28-year-old Cabrera, acquired from Miami in an offseason trade, is 5-5 with a 5.68 ERA in 76 innings over 15 games, all starts. Manager Craig Counsell said before Saturday's game against Pittsburgh that Cabrera would switch to the bullpen for now.
This was Cabrera's third stint on the IL this season and followed one for a left hamstring/adductor strain suffered on June 23 in New York. The righty was hurt against the Mets when he went into the splits while stretching for a throw as he covered first base, an injury that sidelined Cabrera for nearly two months.
Thornton is 5-5 with three saves and 3.35 ERA in 48 1/3 innings over 48 relief appearances.
#Chicago #thornton
2 months ago
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have shut down right-hander Ben Brown for the rest of the season so he can fully heal from a stress reaction in his neck that has sidelined him since mid-June.
The 26-year-old Brown is 4-2 with a 1.85 ERA in 20 games this season, including his final eight as a starter after Chicago's rotation was depleted by injuries. After shifting to a starting role, Brown was 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA.
The stress reaction flared after Brown tossed six innings and allowed two runs in a 16-2 win over Toronto on June 19 and he was placed on the IL. The same painful condition caused Brown to miss significant time in 2024.
Brown attempted to come back this season, but experienced discomfort during a throwing session on Aug. 25. That scuttled plans to send him on a minor-league rehab ****** ignment and led to additional medical consultation and imaging.
"This is a bone injury," manager Craig Counsell said before Thursday's game against Milwaukee at Wrigley Field. "There's a healing, but just not enough to allow the discomfort to go away. So we just need to spend more time healing.
#season #reaction #time #healing
The 26-year-old Brown is 4-2 with a 1.85 ERA in 20 games this season, including his final eight as a starter after Chicago's rotation was depleted by injuries. After shifting to a starting role, Brown was 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA.
The stress reaction flared after Brown tossed six innings and allowed two runs in a 16-2 win over Toronto on June 19 and he was placed on the IL. The same painful condition caused Brown to miss significant time in 2024.
Brown attempted to come back this season, but experienced discomfort during a throwing session on Aug. 25. That scuttled plans to send him on a minor-league rehab ****** ignment and led to additional medical consultation and imaging.
"This is a bone injury," manager Craig Counsell said before Thursday's game against Milwaukee at Wrigley Field. "There's a healing, but just not enough to allow the discomfort to go away. So we just need to spend more time healing.
#season #reaction #time #healing
2 months ago
Matt Shaw is back with the Chicago Cubs after missing the past two months with a left-hand sprain.
The 24-year-old infielder/outfielder was reinstated from the injured list Friday as the Cubs open a seven-game homestand beginning with the Cincinnati Reds.
Outfielder Kevin Alcántara was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.
In five rehab games in with Triple-A Iowa, Shaw batted .316 with 6 hits, 4 RBI and 1 stolen base in 19 at-bats. Prior to his injury, he had 20 RBI and 4 home runs while batting .246 through 56 games with the Cubs.
While in Iowa, Shaw saw time at second base, giving Cubs manager Craig Counsell a potential option in the infield. With Dansby Swanson out until at least late September, Nico ******* ner could remain at shortstop while Shaw gets time at second base.
#base #time #second
The 24-year-old infielder/outfielder was reinstated from the injured list Friday as the Cubs open a seven-game homestand beginning with the Cincinnati Reds.
Outfielder Kevin Alcántara was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.
In five rehab games in with Triple-A Iowa, Shaw batted .316 with 6 hits, 4 RBI and 1 stolen base in 19 at-bats. Prior to his injury, he had 20 RBI and 4 home runs while batting .246 through 56 games with the Cubs.
While in Iowa, Shaw saw time at second base, giving Cubs manager Craig Counsell a potential option in the infield. With Dansby Swanson out until at least late September, Nico ******* ner could remain at shortstop while Shaw gets time at second base.
#base #time #second
2 months ago
Things got heated Monday night between the Diamondbacks and Cubs when Chicago third-base coach Quintin Berry was accused of relaying Arizona starter Merrill Kelly's pitches to his batters.
It turns out that Berry wasn't doing anything illegal. And on Monday, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that he called Cubs manager Craig Counsell to apologize and admit that he and his team were wrong for causing a ruckus over the situation.
Lovullo told reporters about the apology on Tuesday prior to Game 2 of the series in Phoenix. He said that he spoke with MLB senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill, who informed him that Berry was, indeed, acting within the rules by picking up on and relaying Kelly's pitches to Cubs batters from the confines of the third-base coach's box.
"I talked to the league," Lovullo said. … "I thought it was supposed to be kept between the white lines. I spoke to Mike Hill today, it was a fantastic conversation.
"He gave me the fastest version that the third-base coach and first-base coach can do whatever they want as along as they are inside the dimensions of the base-coaching box. So, I stand corrected and had a chance to call [Counsell] and apologize to him and told him that we were wrong, and they were doing everything right."
#lovullo #diamondbacks
It turns out that Berry wasn't doing anything illegal. And on Monday, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that he called Cubs manager Craig Counsell to apologize and admit that he and his team were wrong for causing a ruckus over the situation.
Lovullo told reporters about the apology on Tuesday prior to Game 2 of the series in Phoenix. He said that he spoke with MLB senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill, who informed him that Berry was, indeed, acting within the rules by picking up on and relaying Kelly's pitches to Cubs batters from the confines of the third-base coach's box.
"I talked to the league," Lovullo said. … "I thought it was supposed to be kept between the white lines. I spoke to Mike Hill today, it was a fantastic conversation.
"He gave me the fastest version that the third-base coach and first-base coach can do whatever they want as along as they are inside the dimensions of the base-coaching box. So, I stand corrected and had a chance to call [Counsell] and apologize to him and told him that we were wrong, and they were doing everything right."
#lovullo #diamondbacks
2 months ago
The Chicago Cubs are trying to track down the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central and could be getting Justin Steele back at some point.
Steele underwent elbow surgery in 2025 and a flexor strain this year has kept him on the shelf. However, he is determined to return this year. He "absolutely" expects to return this year, per The Athletic's Patrick Mooney. However, Craig Counsell knows he's far from being ready.
"We need to get him pitching in games first," Counsell said, per Mooney. "We're not going to skip steps. He rightfully should be (focused on returning this season), but we have a lot of steps to go before we get there.
"He hasn't pitched in an affiliated game in almost two years, so let's get him pitching in an affiliated game. We can understand that he's going to have to pitch in multiple games before he's ready."
Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand new baseball lifestyle brand!
#steele #mooney #counsell #games
Steele underwent elbow surgery in 2025 and a flexor strain this year has kept him on the shelf. However, he is determined to return this year. He "absolutely" expects to return this year, per The Athletic's Patrick Mooney. However, Craig Counsell knows he's far from being ready.
"We need to get him pitching in games first," Counsell said, per Mooney. "We're not going to skip steps. He rightfully should be (focused on returning this season), but we have a lot of steps to go before we get there.
"He hasn't pitched in an affiliated game in almost two years, so let's get him pitching in an affiliated game. We can understand that he's going to have to pitch in multiple games before he's ready."
Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand new baseball lifestyle brand!
#steele #mooney #counsell #games
2 months ago
Daniel Palencia had a good year as Cubs closer in 2025 despite some injury issues. He had more time on the IL this year, first with an oblique strain and then a flexor injury.
Today, the Cubs activated Palencia from the injured list after five rehab outings, the last two of which were pretty good. He is not expected to immediately return to the closer role, instead serving as what manager Craig Counsell calls an "out-getter" in whatever situation he's needed. Overall this year in 19 MLB games, Palencia has a 2.70 ERA, 1.380 WHIP, three saves and 19 strikeouts in 16.2 innings.
To make room for Palencia on the 26-man active roster, right-hander Javier ******* ad has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa. I don't need to explain to you how this makes most Cubs fans feel. The only thing I can say is that ******* ad is likely back on Sept. 1 when rosters expand.
In addition, the Cubs added infielder Gabriel Arias, acquired Wednesday on waivers from the Mets, to the 26-man active roster. To make room for Arias, infielder Owen Miller was designated for ******* ignment. He's likely to clear waivers and will almost certainly be given the opportunity to remain in the organization.
As always, we await developments. Today's game preview will post at 7 p.m. CT.
#Cubs #assad #make
Today, the Cubs activated Palencia from the injured list after five rehab outings, the last two of which were pretty good. He is not expected to immediately return to the closer role, instead serving as what manager Craig Counsell calls an "out-getter" in whatever situation he's needed. Overall this year in 19 MLB games, Palencia has a 2.70 ERA, 1.380 WHIP, three saves and 19 strikeouts in 16.2 innings.
To make room for Palencia on the 26-man active roster, right-hander Javier ******* ad has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa. I don't need to explain to you how this makes most Cubs fans feel. The only thing I can say is that ******* ad is likely back on Sept. 1 when rosters expand.
In addition, the Cubs added infielder Gabriel Arias, acquired Wednesday on waivers from the Mets, to the 26-man active roster. To make room for Arias, infielder Owen Miller was designated for ******* ignment. He's likely to clear waivers and will almost certainly be given the opportunity to remain in the organization.
As always, we await developments. Today's game preview will post at 7 p.m. CT.
#Cubs #assad #make
2 months ago
The Chicago Cubs are going all in on this season, and they made that abundantly clear at this year's trade deadline, acquiring multiple pieces to give themselves the best chance to win. That included landing right-hander Kevin Gausman in a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Gausman is not having the best season of his career, but his track record speaks for itself as a two-time All-Star. Ahead of his start Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox, the 35-year-old veteran had posted a 4.53 ERA with 138 strikeouts across 139 innings of work.
MORE: Dansby Swanson development comes with silver lining for Cubs
While not excellent, he still brings plenty of postseason experience, which is valuable for a young Cubs squad trying to make a deep October run.
Unfortunately, Gausman left his third start with Chicago early. He suffered a left hand cramp, according to the Cubs on X. Manager Craig Counsell will likely have further updates on Gausman's condition after the game.
#kevin
Gausman is not having the best season of his career, but his track record speaks for itself as a two-time All-Star. Ahead of his start Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox, the 35-year-old veteran had posted a 4.53 ERA with 138 strikeouts across 139 innings of work.
MORE: Dansby Swanson development comes with silver lining for Cubs
While not excellent, he still brings plenty of postseason experience, which is valuable for a young Cubs squad trying to make a deep October run.
Unfortunately, Gausman left his third start with Chicago early. He suffered a left hand cramp, according to the Cubs on X. Manager Craig Counsell will likely have further updates on Gausman's condition after the game.
#kevin
2 months ago
It didn't take long at all for Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson to know that something was wrong after he swung through a 96 mph fastball in the third inning of Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
And now, the Cubs might be without their starting shortstop for an extended time.
Almost immediately after the swing, Swanson tossed his batting helmet out of frustration and leaned forward in pain. He knew right away that it was the kind of injury that could sideline him. And after a brief conversation with the training staff and manager Craig Counsell, Swanson exited the game into the clubhouse.
During the game, the team described Swanson's injury as "left side discomfort." But after the 11-4 loss to the Cardinals, Counsell confirmed that it was an oblique injury for Swanson.
The team placed Swanson on the 10-day Injured List, and he's set to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.
#Cubs #dansby #almost
And now, the Cubs might be without their starting shortstop for an extended time.
Almost immediately after the swing, Swanson tossed his batting helmet out of frustration and leaned forward in pain. He knew right away that it was the kind of injury that could sideline him. And after a brief conversation with the training staff and manager Craig Counsell, Swanson exited the game into the clubhouse.
During the game, the team described Swanson's injury as "left side discomfort." But after the 11-4 loss to the Cardinals, Counsell confirmed that it was an oblique injury for Swanson.
The team placed Swanson on the 10-day Injured List, and he's set to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.
#Cubs #dansby #almost
2 months ago
Although the Cubs' pitching staff is a lot deeper than it was before the trade deadline, the Cubs had hoped Edward Cabrera's return would provide a boost. Cabrera has been shelved since June with a left hamstring strain; before that, he missed two weeks at the end of May with a right middle finger blister.
In the starts Cabrera has made for the Cubs this season, he's underwhelmed. A 5.04 ERA and a dropoff in his strikeout rate was not what the Cubs traded for last winter, when they sent top outfield prospect Owen Caissie, along with two other minor leaguers, to the Marlins.
Cabrera is capable of being the kind of starting pitcher who can round out a strong playoff rotation, but with less than 40 regular season games remaining, he needs to show that he's the guy the Cubs thought they were getting.
"Frankly, we're at go time here," manager Craig Counsell said. "So I think you got to go. We're at a stage where with the people around the roster that it's go time. And I think Edward [Cabrera] understands that."
Facing the Cardinals on Sunday, Cabrera didn't do much to inspire confidence. It took until just the third batter of the game for St. Louis to claim the lead. Cabrera gave up a leadoff double to JJ Wetherholt, and two batters later Alec Burleson launched a 421-foot rocket into the right field bleachers.
#right
In the starts Cabrera has made for the Cubs this season, he's underwhelmed. A 5.04 ERA and a dropoff in his strikeout rate was not what the Cubs traded for last winter, when they sent top outfield prospect Owen Caissie, along with two other minor leaguers, to the Marlins.
Cabrera is capable of being the kind of starting pitcher who can round out a strong playoff rotation, but with less than 40 regular season games remaining, he needs to show that he's the guy the Cubs thought they were getting.
"Frankly, we're at go time here," manager Craig Counsell said. "So I think you got to go. We're at a stage where with the people around the roster that it's go time. And I think Edward [Cabrera] understands that."
Facing the Cardinals on Sunday, Cabrera didn't do much to inspire confidence. It took until just the third batter of the game for St. Louis to claim the lead. Cabrera gave up a leadoff double to JJ Wetherholt, and two batters later Alec Burleson launched a 421-foot rocket into the right field bleachers.
#right
2 months ago
Your recap for the Cubs' 11-4 loss to the Cardinals Sunday is basically in the headline. Edward Cabrera returned from injury, got hit hard and didn't have command, and then Dansby Swanson took a swing in the third inning and immediately came out of the game.
I guess I could wrap things here, but… you come here for a complete recap and you are going to get one.
First, I was amused by this sequence of social media posts. When Craig Counsell met with media before the game, here's what he said about the Cubs upcoming rotation:
Five-plus hours later, after Cabrera's disastrous outing, here's what the media heard from Counsell:
Gee, Craig. Ya think?!?!?!
#counsell #sunday
I guess I could wrap things here, but… you come here for a complete recap and you are going to get one.
First, I was amused by this sequence of social media posts. When Craig Counsell met with media before the game, here's what he said about the Cubs upcoming rotation:
Five-plus hours later, after Cabrera's disastrous outing, here's what the media heard from Counsell:
Gee, Craig. Ya think?!?!?!
#counsell #sunday
2 months ago
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 05: Clay Holmes of the Chicago Cubs looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field on August 05, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs made one of the biggest starting-pitching bets of the trade deadline when they acquired Clay Holmes from the New York Mets. The move was designed to give manager Craig Counsell another experienced arm for a rotation that could determine how far Chicago goes into the postseason.
Holmes had established himself as one of the Mets' most dependable starters before a fractured right fibula sidelined him in May. He posted a 2.39 ERA through his first nine starts, making his injury and subsequent trade a particularly compelling storyline for the Cubs, who were betting on his ability to return from a serious injury.
And Holmes' first appearance with Chicago was not particularly encouraging.
Cardinals Cut Rookie Infielder Amid Brutal Stretch At The Plate
#Chicago #illinois #trade
The Chicago Cubs made one of the biggest starting-pitching bets of the trade deadline when they acquired Clay Holmes from the New York Mets. The move was designed to give manager Craig Counsell another experienced arm for a rotation that could determine how far Chicago goes into the postseason.
Holmes had established himself as one of the Mets' most dependable starters before a fractured right fibula sidelined him in May. He posted a 2.39 ERA through his first nine starts, making his injury and subsequent trade a particularly compelling storyline for the Cubs, who were betting on his ability to return from a serious injury.
And Holmes' first appearance with Chicago was not particularly encouraging.
Cardinals Cut Rookie Infielder Amid Brutal Stretch At The Plate
#Chicago #illinois #trade
3 months ago
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chicago Cubs' grind through 17 consecutive games without an off day ended on a high note.
The offense broke out against Kansas City Royals starter Randy Dobnak and the bullpen, and left-hander Matthew Boyd allowed just two runs over seven innings in a 10-2 victory to secure the series victory. The Cubs (69-50) enter Monday's off day — their first since July 23 — with a 12-5 mark over the 17-game stretch.
The lack of off days required manager Craig Counsell to find ways to build in rest for their regulars. That meant Pete Crow-Armstrong was the designated hitter for a second consecutive game and the third time in five games as Counsell attempted to "recharge some batteries the best I can right now."
The Cubs' series win keeps them rolling. Their 35-16 (.686) mark since June 11 is second-best in the big leagues during that span behind the Boston Red Sox — after the Cubs had posted a majors-worst 7-22 stretch prior to this run.
"Our starters have performed exceptionally well, and that's been the key to this thing," Counsell said of playing 17 straight. "You don't survive it without good starting pitching, and the number of quality starts, whether it be length or lack of runs given up, it's been impressive for sure, and it's got us through this, and it's helped us win games. Because the length the starter is able to give you contributes to what happens the next day in the bullpen, and they've done a heck of a job."
#kansas #city #bullpen #runs
The offense broke out against Kansas City Royals starter Randy Dobnak and the bullpen, and left-hander Matthew Boyd allowed just two runs over seven innings in a 10-2 victory to secure the series victory. The Cubs (69-50) enter Monday's off day — their first since July 23 — with a 12-5 mark over the 17-game stretch.
The lack of off days required manager Craig Counsell to find ways to build in rest for their regulars. That meant Pete Crow-Armstrong was the designated hitter for a second consecutive game and the third time in five games as Counsell attempted to "recharge some batteries the best I can right now."
The Cubs' series win keeps them rolling. Their 35-16 (.686) mark since June 11 is second-best in the big leagues during that span behind the Boston Red Sox — after the Cubs had posted a majors-worst 7-22 stretch prior to this run.
"Our starters have performed exceptionally well, and that's been the key to this thing," Counsell said of playing 17 straight. "You don't survive it without good starting pitching, and the number of quality starts, whether it be length or lack of runs given up, it's been impressive for sure, and it's got us through this, and it's helped us win games. Because the length the starter is able to give you contributes to what happens the next day in the bullpen, and they've done a heck of a job."
#kansas #city #bullpen #runs
3 months ago
CHICAGO — One of the biggest changes in my four decades of covering Major League Baseball has been the way the trade deadline is reported.
What once was a few weeks of rumors from beat writers about what might happen, producing a couple of lines in a notebook and an occasional headline if something was close, has morphed into a full-blown, 24/7 job. Some outlets, notably The Athletic and the aggregating site MLBTradeRumors.com, provide nonstop shopping for rumor seekers.
The gambling aspect obviously has increased interest, along with social media and the addition of a third wild-card team in each league, which means more mediocre teams are still in contention at the deadline. As of Saturday, only a half-dozen teams were more than 4 1/2 games from a wild-card spot.
Executives go under the cone of silence weeks before the deadline, leaving managers and players to answer speculative questions.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell was in no mood to play along Saturday before the Cubs beat the New York Yankees 5-2 at Wrigley Field.
#Cubs
What once was a few weeks of rumors from beat writers about what might happen, producing a couple of lines in a notebook and an occasional headline if something was close, has morphed into a full-blown, 24/7 job. Some outlets, notably The Athletic and the aggregating site MLBTradeRumors.com, provide nonstop shopping for rumor seekers.
The gambling aspect obviously has increased interest, along with social media and the addition of a third wild-card team in each league, which means more mediocre teams are still in contention at the deadline. As of Saturday, only a half-dozen teams were more than 4 1/2 games from a wild-card spot.
Executives go under the cone of silence weeks before the deadline, leaving managers and players to answer speculative questions.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell was in no mood to play along Saturday before the Cubs beat the New York Yankees 5-2 at Wrigley Field.
#Cubs
3 months ago
Seven games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, the Chicago Cubs have comfortably secured a postseason spot. With a 59-46 record, they hold the top NL Wild Card position, despite navigating an injury-plagued starting rotation. Even so, the Cubs have shown they are unwilling to tolerate underperformance and inconsistency, and their latest decision to part ways with their $68 million right-hander is proof of that. Following the move, manager Craig Counsell explained the reasoning behind the decision.
"Essentially, we just had to make a hard decision as to whether we thought Jameson was going to pitch again," Counsell told Marquee Sports Network, as posted on X after the Cubs DFA'd Jameson Taillon. "And with where we're at in the season and with what's going on in his season, we just didn't feel like it was going to happen again. So those are hard decisions."
Jameson Taillon's inconsistency has been a liability for the Cubs' already struggling rotation. So, following a disastrous outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, the Cubs designated him for **** ignment the next day, ahead of their game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Taillon surrendered 7 earned runs on 6 hits across 4.0 innings during Chicago's 8-7 loss to the Pirates. The loss spiked his ERA to 5.92 across 15 starts as he gave up three home runs and two walks during his outing. This season, the 34-year-old has surrendered 25 homers in total, which is the most in the National League, per MLB.com.
After the Cubs DFA'd him, Taillon reportedly said:
#Cubs #taillon #dfa 'd #pirates
"Essentially, we just had to make a hard decision as to whether we thought Jameson was going to pitch again," Counsell told Marquee Sports Network, as posted on X after the Cubs DFA'd Jameson Taillon. "And with where we're at in the season and with what's going on in his season, we just didn't feel like it was going to happen again. So those are hard decisions."
Jameson Taillon's inconsistency has been a liability for the Cubs' already struggling rotation. So, following a disastrous outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, the Cubs designated him for **** ignment the next day, ahead of their game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Taillon surrendered 7 earned runs on 6 hits across 4.0 innings during Chicago's 8-7 loss to the Pirates. The loss spiked his ERA to 5.92 across 15 starts as he gave up three home runs and two walks during his outing. This season, the 34-year-old has surrendered 25 homers in total, which is the most in the National League, per MLB.com.
After the Cubs DFA'd him, Taillon reportedly said:
#Cubs #taillon #dfa 'd #pirates
3 months ago
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 26: Karl Ravech of ESPN speaks on set the day before Game 1 of the 2015 World Series between the Royals and Mets at Kauffman Stadium on October 26, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images)
For more than three decades, Karl Ravech became one of the most recognizable voices in baseball broadcasting, anchoring “Baseball Tonight” and serving as ESPN's lead MLB play-by-play caller.
His broadcasts spanned virtually every high-profile baseball event at the network, making him synonymous with the sport for many viewers. But that iconic run came to a sudden end on Monday night, when Ravech called the nationally televised matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers. At the time, though, he and his colleagues were unaware that it would be their last time working for the broadcaster together.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Cubs’ Craig Counsell Sends Front Office Message Shortly Before Trade Deadline
The stunning layoffs that swept through ESPN this week caught many employees off guard, including Ravech himself.
#Baseball #city #espn #many
For more than three decades, Karl Ravech became one of the most recognizable voices in baseball broadcasting, anchoring “Baseball Tonight” and serving as ESPN's lead MLB play-by-play caller.
His broadcasts spanned virtually every high-profile baseball event at the network, making him synonymous with the sport for many viewers. But that iconic run came to a sudden end on Monday night, when Ravech called the nationally televised matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers. At the time, though, he and his colleagues were unaware that it would be their last time working for the broadcaster together.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Cubs’ Craig Counsell Sends Front Office Message Shortly Before Trade Deadline
The stunning layoffs that swept through ESPN this week caught many employees off guard, including Ravech himself.
#Baseball #city #espn #many
3 months ago
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 09: Spencer Jones #78 of the New York Yankees before game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on May 09, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees entered the final stretch before the MLB trade deadline with one of baseball's deepest farm systems and a front office facing difficult decisions. As the club continues weighing whether to move top prospects in pursuit of another postseason run, one of its most recognizable young players has remained at the center of speculation.
Hulking outfielder Spencer Jones has long been viewed as a cornerstone prospect thanks to his rare combination of size, athleticism and power. But after multiple trips between Triple-A and the majors this season, his future in the organization has become a popular topic as rival executives search for impact young talent and the Yankees look to upgrade other areas of the roster before the trade deadline.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Cubs’ Craig Counsell Sends Front Office Message Shortly Before Trade Deadline
Industry chatter intensified this week when Jones' name surfaced in reports discussing the Yankees' deadline strategy.
#yankees
The New York Yankees entered the final stretch before the MLB trade deadline with one of baseball's deepest farm systems and a front office facing difficult decisions. As the club continues weighing whether to move top prospects in pursuit of another postseason run, one of its most recognizable young players has remained at the center of speculation.
Hulking outfielder Spencer Jones has long been viewed as a cornerstone prospect thanks to his rare combination of size, athleticism and power. But after multiple trips between Triple-A and the majors this season, his future in the organization has become a popular topic as rival executives search for impact young talent and the Yankees look to upgrade other areas of the roster before the trade deadline.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Cubs’ Craig Counsell Sends Front Office Message Shortly Before Trade Deadline
Industry chatter intensified this week when Jones' name surfaced in reports discussing the Yankees' deadline strategy.
#yankees
3 months ago
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 05: Manager Craig Counsell #11 of the Chicago Cubs looks on against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field on June 05, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Chicago Cubs have positioned themselves squarely in postseason contention, but their biggest question remains unanswered: how might the team improve its roster before it’s too late?
Whether it's the starting rotation, bullpen depth or another unexpected addition, the front office appears poised to make a move before Aug. 3.
The Cubs' needs have become one of the more closely watched storylines around baseball, especially as injuries have tested the club's pitching depth throughout the season. While executives Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins weigh their options, manager Craig Counsell sent the pair a message about the need for an upgrade.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
ESPN Veteran Addresses Pat McAfee-Linked Layoffs After Phillies, Dodgers Game
#illinois
With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Chicago Cubs have positioned themselves squarely in postseason contention, but their biggest question remains unanswered: how might the team improve its roster before it’s too late?
Whether it's the starting rotation, bullpen depth or another unexpected addition, the front office appears poised to make a move before Aug. 3.
The Cubs' needs have become one of the more closely watched storylines around baseball, especially as injuries have tested the club's pitching depth throughout the season. While executives Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins weigh their options, manager Craig Counsell sent the pair a message about the need for an upgrade.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
ESPN Veteran Addresses Pat McAfee-Linked Layoffs After Phillies, Dodgers Game
#illinois
4 months ago
CINCINNATI — Alex Bregman described the Chicago Cubs' first half of the season Saturday as a time of "some high highs and some low lows," which sounds about right.
It was highlighted by a pair of 10-game win streaks, an MVP-caliber performance by Pete Crow-Armstrong, the emergence of Ben Brown as a primetime starter and the continued defensive excellence that has been the team's hallmark under manager Craig Counsell. Ten walk-off wins, a 23-run outburst featuring eight home runs and a PCA cycle were all binge-worthy moments.
The low points included the devastating loss of Cade Horton, the nonstop march of pitching injuries, the 10-game losing streak, a prolonged offensive slump by Dansby Swanson and an early power outage by Bregman, the team's biggest offseason acquisition.
There was even a cameo appearance by a well-fed rat at Wrigley Field in April, which forced a team spokesman to **** ure fans the Cubs "take the health and safety of our guests seriously." Rat aside, the mental health of Cubs fans was almost always in question, thanks to a team that went from ridiculously good to unquestionably bad and then back to good again.
The Cubs finished things up Sunday with a victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark, ending the first half with a bang.
It was highlighted by a pair of 10-game win streaks, an MVP-caliber performance by Pete Crow-Armstrong, the emergence of Ben Brown as a primetime starter and the continued defensive excellence that has been the team's hallmark under manager Craig Counsell. Ten walk-off wins, a 23-run outburst featuring eight home runs and a PCA cycle were all binge-worthy moments.
The low points included the devastating loss of Cade Horton, the nonstop march of pitching injuries, the 10-game losing streak, a prolonged offensive slump by Dansby Swanson and an early power outage by Bregman, the team's biggest offseason acquisition.
There was even a cameo appearance by a well-fed rat at Wrigley Field in April, which forced a team spokesman to **** ure fans the Cubs "take the health and safety of our guests seriously." Rat aside, the mental health of Cubs fans was almost always in question, thanks to a team that went from ridiculously good to unquestionably bad and then back to good again.
The Cubs finished things up Sunday with a victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark, ending the first half with a bang.
4 months ago
CHICAGO — Pete Crow-Armstrong is an All-Star again.
The Chicago Cubs center fielder was named to the National League All-Star team Saturday as a reserve, earning the honor to play in the Midsummer Classic in back-to-back seasons.
"The great players are the ones that, I think anybody with kids will tell you, that's who gets the attention," manager Craig Counsell said Saturday before Game 2 of a series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. "If you go to a youth game right now, you're seeing neon colors all over the place because the stars are wearing neon colors in their uniforms. I think those become the role models for the game.
"In Pete's case, what's fun to watch is that there's something in every part of the game that he's able to do. And he also does it — he's not some huge person that does it. He's a pretty normal-sized person that can do it. I think that also creates a connection with fans. And he's an entertainer. … He loves that part of it. He's good at it. He's naturally wired to do it. So you get a lot of it."
The All-Star recognition comes fresh off winning NL Player of the Month for the first time in his career following one of the best months in franchise history.
The Chicago Cubs center fielder was named to the National League All-Star team Saturday as a reserve, earning the honor to play in the Midsummer Classic in back-to-back seasons.
"The great players are the ones that, I think anybody with kids will tell you, that's who gets the attention," manager Craig Counsell said Saturday before Game 2 of a series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. "If you go to a youth game right now, you're seeing neon colors all over the place because the stars are wearing neon colors in their uniforms. I think those become the role models for the game.
"In Pete's case, what's fun to watch is that there's something in every part of the game that he's able to do. And he also does it — he's not some huge person that does it. He's a pretty normal-sized person that can do it. I think that also creates a connection with fans. And he's an entertainer. … He loves that part of it. He's good at it. He's naturally wired to do it. So you get a lot of it."
The All-Star recognition comes fresh off winning NL Player of the Month for the first time in his career following one of the best months in franchise history.
4 months ago
CHICAGO (AP) — The banged-up Chicago Cubs placed utilityman Matt Shaw and right-hander Ethan Roberts on the injured list on Monday.
Shaw has a sprained left hand and Roberts is out because of elbow inflammation. Outfielder Kevin Alcántara and right-hander Gavin Hollowell were recalled from Triple-A Iowa before the opener of a three-game series against San Diego.
The 24-year-old Shaw was on the IL from May 20 to June 9 because of mid-back tightness. He hit .257 with two homers and eight RBIs in 14 games after he was activated from the IL.
“I think there’s a world where he’s swinging a bat by the weekend,” manager Craig Counsell said. “I think as soon as we get the inflammation out, we think we can move forward pretty quickly, so there’s a chance that one’s a minimum (stint).”
Shaw had been serving as Chicago's primary right fielder since Seiya Suzuki hurt his right knee on June 13. Counsell said veteran Michael Conforto will get more regular time in right with Shaw out.
Shaw has a sprained left hand and Roberts is out because of elbow inflammation. Outfielder Kevin Alcántara and right-hander Gavin Hollowell were recalled from Triple-A Iowa before the opener of a three-game series against San Diego.
The 24-year-old Shaw was on the IL from May 20 to June 9 because of mid-back tightness. He hit .257 with two homers and eight RBIs in 14 games after he was activated from the IL.
“I think there’s a world where he’s swinging a bat by the weekend,” manager Craig Counsell said. “I think as soon as we get the inflammation out, we think we can move forward pretty quickly, so there’s a chance that one’s a minimum (stint).”
Shaw had been serving as Chicago's primary right fielder since Seiya Suzuki hurt his right knee on June 13. Counsell said veteran Michael Conforto will get more regular time in right with Shaw out.
4 months ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera were placed on the injured list Wednesday, delivering two more blows for the pitching-depleted Chicago Cubs.
Cabrera was expected to get imaging Wednesday after straining his left hamstring/adductor stretching for a throw at first base Tuesday during a 9-6 win over the New York Mets.
Brown has a neck strain. He is 4-2 with one save and a 1.85 ERA for the Cubs, including 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA in eight starts since joining the banged-up rotation May 8.
The Cubs have six starters sidelined, though opening day starter Matthew Boyd (left meniscus) is scheduled to come off the injured list and start in Brown’s spot Thursday.
“We’re getting a guy that pitched opening day back for us, so that’s a big deal,” Counsell said. “Those are important players to get healthy and get in your rotation.”
Cabrera was expected to get imaging Wednesday after straining his left hamstring/adductor stretching for a throw at first base Tuesday during a 9-6 win over the New York Mets.
Brown has a neck strain. He is 4-2 with one save and a 1.85 ERA for the Cubs, including 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA in eight starts since joining the banged-up rotation May 8.
The Cubs have six starters sidelined, though opening day starter Matthew Boyd (left meniscus) is scheduled to come off the injured list and start in Brown’s spot Thursday.
“We’re getting a guy that pitched opening day back for us, so that’s a big deal,” Counsell said. “Those are important players to get healthy and get in your rotation.”
4 months ago
NEW YORK — After his team got rained out two days in a row, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell sounded a little miffed about the second one.
Hours later, he was criticizing a major league rule that led to his ejection following an unusual play.
Chicago's series opener against the Mets in New York was postponed because of poor weather and rescheduled as part of a day-night doubleheader at Citi Field.
Counsell and the Cubs also got washed out back home at Wrigley Field when they were supposed to wrap up a series against the Toronto Blue Jays. That game will be made up Aug. 6.
"Look, consecutive rainouts are, they're troublesome for pitching, for sure. And frankly, yesterday's game did not need to be rained out. It didn't rain, and for some reason we didn't play," Counsell said in the dugout, with a tarp covering the infield on another drizzly day in Queens.
Hours later, he was criticizing a major league rule that led to his ejection following an unusual play.
Chicago's series opener against the Mets in New York was postponed because of poor weather and rescheduled as part of a day-night doubleheader at Citi Field.
Counsell and the Cubs also got washed out back home at Wrigley Field when they were supposed to wrap up a series against the Toronto Blue Jays. That game will be made up Aug. 6.
"Look, consecutive rainouts are, they're troublesome for pitching, for sure. And frankly, yesterday's game did not need to be rained out. It didn't rain, and for some reason we didn't play," Counsell said in the dugout, with a tarp covering the infield on another drizzly day in Queens.
4 months ago
The good news about yesterday's rainout is that the back-to-back canceled games gave the Cubs' battered bullpen another day to rest and recover heading into their series with the Mets. Healthy arms are a scarce commodity on the North Side of Chicago these days, so anything that gives pitchers a shot at a little more rest and recovery probably allows manager Craig Counsell and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy to breathe a sigh of relief.
Speaking of a bit of extra recovery time, most of the Cubs roster will likely get a few extra days to recover in July during the All-Star break. However, there is one Cubs starting pitcher who might have a solid case to pitch in the Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia.
Ben Brown has been one of the best stories in Chicago this summer. He started the season in the bullpen after struggling to get guys out later in games as a starter last season. However, he also added a sinker he's throwing about 21% of the time this season and that pitch has proven to be a game-changing weapon for Brown. Batters are hitting just .224 off Brown's sinker and they are slugging an abysmal .245 against it. It's a visible improvement:
Brown has improved in his effectiveness across the board. He's sacrificed a bit of pure strikeout stuff and about a percentage fewer whiffs for more effective outs and better results. You can see how that all comes together in this highlight reel from his seven inning, three hit effort in St. Louis at the end of May. He's basically still using his knuckle curve and four-seamer for most of his strikeouts, but the sinker gives him a way to induce weak contact when necessary [VIDEO].
Your browser does not support the video tag. Download the video.
Speaking of a bit of extra recovery time, most of the Cubs roster will likely get a few extra days to recover in July during the All-Star break. However, there is one Cubs starting pitcher who might have a solid case to pitch in the Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia.
Ben Brown has been one of the best stories in Chicago this summer. He started the season in the bullpen after struggling to get guys out later in games as a starter last season. However, he also added a sinker he's throwing about 21% of the time this season and that pitch has proven to be a game-changing weapon for Brown. Batters are hitting just .224 off Brown's sinker and they are slugging an abysmal .245 against it. It's a visible improvement:
Brown has improved in his effectiveness across the board. He's sacrificed a bit of pure strikeout stuff and about a percentage fewer whiffs for more effective outs and better results. You can see how that all comes together in this highlight reel from his seven inning, three hit effort in St. Louis at the end of May. He's basically still using his knuckle curve and four-seamer for most of his strikeouts, but the sinker gives him a way to induce weak contact when necessary [VIDEO].
Your browser does not support the video tag. Download the video.
4 months ago
Craig Counsell and Will Venable trusted their bullpens on Saturday with similar results.
Counsell watched his Chicago Cubs bullpen blow a late 5-0 lead in an 8-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, while Venable watched the White Sox 'pen lose 4-1 to the Detroit Tigers on a bullpen day scripted because of the lack of a fifth starter.
The Sox bullpen didn't perform any better on Sunday, blowing leads in the ninth and 10th innings of a 5-4 loss to get swept in Detroit and finish 1-5 on the road trip.
Venable and Counsell are no different from every other manager in baseball who is heavily reliant on multiple relievers to do the job on any given day. The average number of pitchers a team uses per game is 4.23, and has been above 4.11 since 2015.
It's not going backward any time soon, as starters' pitch counts decrease and the average velocity of relievers increases.
Counsell watched his Chicago Cubs bullpen blow a late 5-0 lead in an 8-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, while Venable watched the White Sox 'pen lose 4-1 to the Detroit Tigers on a bullpen day scripted because of the lack of a fifth starter.
The Sox bullpen didn't perform any better on Sunday, blowing leads in the ninth and 10th innings of a 5-4 loss to get swept in Detroit and finish 1-5 on the road trip.
Venable and Counsell are no different from every other manager in baseball who is heavily reliant on multiple relievers to do the job on any given day. The average number of pitchers a team uses per game is 4.23, and has been above 4.11 since 2015.
It's not going backward any time soon, as starters' pitch counts decrease and the average velocity of relievers increases.
4 months ago
You might remember that during Monday’s game, Craig Counsell went out to the mound with the trainer to talk with Daniel Palencia. Palencia ultimately stayed in the game, striking out three Rockies.
Evidently the team found an issue, because today Palencia was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.
To replace Palencia on the active roster, the Cubs recalled right-handed pitcher Gavin Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa.
Here’s hoping this is nothing serious with Palencia. The Cubs haven’t had many save opportunities anyway so far this year. I’d guess the Cubs would go with closer-by-committee if there are any coming up.
Palencia is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA (5 ER/16.2 IP) with three saves in 19 relief appearances with the Cubs this season.
Evidently the team found an issue, because today Palencia was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.
To replace Palencia on the active roster, the Cubs recalled right-handed pitcher Gavin Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa.
Here’s hoping this is nothing serious with Palencia. The Cubs haven’t had many save opportunities anyway so far this year. I’d guess the Cubs would go with closer-by-committee if there are any coming up.
Palencia is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA (5 ER/16.2 IP) with three saves in 19 relief appearances with the Cubs this season.
4 months ago
Wyndham Clark received huge criticism for his actions during the U.S. Open at Oakmont last year, and rightly so.
Clark missed the cut at the U.S. Open at Oakmont in 2025, and he proceeded to head into the clubhouse and let out his anger on his locker.
Pictures emerged of the damaged locker inside the Oakmont clubhouse and it soon became evident that Clark was the culprit.
Wyndham Clark was banned from playing at Oakmont as a result, and was told to pay for the locker damages, make a meaningful charitable contribution, and complete counselling or anger management sessions.
Clark was criticised for his comments after the Oakmont locker room incident, when he failed to properly take accountability for his actions.
Clark missed the cut at the U.S. Open at Oakmont in 2025, and he proceeded to head into the clubhouse and let out his anger on his locker.
Pictures emerged of the damaged locker inside the Oakmont clubhouse and it soon became evident that Clark was the culprit.
Wyndham Clark was banned from playing at Oakmont as a result, and was told to pay for the locker damages, make a meaningful charitable contribution, and complete counselling or anger management sessions.
Clark was criticised for his comments after the Oakmont locker room incident, when he failed to properly take accountability for his actions.
5 months ago
CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs starter Jameson Taillon left the game against the San Francisco Giants with an undetermined injury with no outs in the second inning and Chicago trailing 1-0 on Sunday night.
After Taillon walked Matt Chapman to lead off the second, Cubs training staff and manager Craig Counsell came to the mound to talk to the right-hander. After a brief discussion, Taillon walked to the dugout and was replaced by righty Javier ******* ad, who was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday.
Taillon allowed a run in the first inning Sunday on a walk followed by two singles. He entered the game 2-5 with a 5.13 ERA and lost four straight decisions over his previous five starts.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
After Taillon walked Matt Chapman to lead off the second, Cubs training staff and manager Craig Counsell came to the mound to talk to the right-hander. After a brief discussion, Taillon walked to the dugout and was replaced by righty Javier ******* ad, who was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday.
Taillon allowed a run in the first inning Sunday on a walk followed by two singles. He entered the game 2-5 with a 5.13 ERA and lost four straight decisions over his previous five starts.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
