The Rundown: Olt Appears OK After Being Hit on Wrist, La Stella Dealing With Strained Side, Bullpen Comes Through Big Time

Photo of Bryan O'Donnell Bryan O'DonnellApril 13, 2015

This was a fun baseball weekend.

The Cubs finally managed an offensive breakthrough in Saturday’s 9-5 win over the Rockies. And then in a fairly bizarre game on Sunday, the Cubs pulled off a three-run ninth-inning comeback to win 6-5.

Dexter Fowler is quickly becoming one of my favorite guys on the club, and that was before his game-winning home run.

It’s good to see the Cubs’ hitting begin to come to life (yes, they were in Denver, but I’m still pleased) even with Anthony Rizzo and Jorge Soler yet to hit their respective strides. The Cubs are getting on base, working counts, and being aggressive on the base paths.

Another good thing to see was the appearance of Mike Olt in yesterday’s game. In the ninth inning on Saturday, he took a pitch off the wrist and it looked like a trip to the DL could be possible.

But Olt was able to pinch-hit on Sunday and remain in the game at third. So it looks like Olt and the Cubs dodged a bullet here.

Another third-base option for the Cubs, Tommy La Stella, didn’t appear over the weekend due to a strained right side, writes Carrie Muskat. La Stella will be re-evaluated on Monday. I’m sure he’s happy that the injury had to occur right when the Cubs make their only trip to Coors Field on the year.

With these injuries popping up around the infield, Welington Castillo (who came up with a big two-out RBI single yesterday to keep the rally going) has taken some ground balls at third base, according to Mark Gonzales. Fortunately, it’s looking like we shouldn’t be seeing Beef at third.

The ‘pen comes through

After Kyle Hendricks had a bit of a rough outing yesterday, the reliable Cubs bullpen was at it again. Hendricks exited the game with one out left in the fifth inning and a man on third.

Jason Motte got the call, and he induced two pop-ups to strand the runner. This was a huge point in the game.

Phil Coke, Neil Ramirez and Hector Rondon continued to do what they do, keeping the score within reach.

Love this bullpen.

Minor matters

The Cubs’ top three prospects all had nice weekends in the minors. Addison Russell has been mashing since games began on Thursday. On Sunday he homered for Triple-A Iowa, along with Kris Bryant (his second in as many days).

Kyle Schwarber got in on the fun as well. He hit his first home run of the season on Saturday.

So basically business as usual for these guys.

 

Photo of Bryan O'Donnell Bryan O'DonnellApril 13, 2015
Back to top button