June 30, 2017

 Cubs.com, Jay powers 3-run 9th as Cubs rally to top Nats http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/239502146/cubs-score-3-in-9th-to-top-nats-in-finale/

 Cubs.com, 'Frosh' faces spark depleted Cubs lineup http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/239577954/young-cubs-essential-in-9th-inning-rally/

 Cubs.com, Bryant's right ankle sprain feeling 'a lot better' http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/239519042/cubs-kris-bryants-ankle-injury-improving/

 Cubs.com, Epstein: Cubs still searching for edge, identity http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/239505198/president-theo-epstein-talks-cubs-identity/

 Cubs.com, Montgomery, Cubs looking to gain ground http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/239502254/montgomery-cubs-looking-to-gain-ground

 ESPNChicago.com, From the win column to the clubhouse, these Cubs are nothing like last year's Cubs http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/44786/from-the-win-column-to-the-clubhouse-these- cubs-are-nothing-like-last-years-cubs

 ESPNChicago.com, Inside the Cubs' ninth-inning rally to beat the Nationals http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/44779/inside-the-cubs-ninth-inning-rally-to-beat-the- nationals

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs Have What Nationals Desperately Need And Wade Davis Has No Doubts: ‘We’ll Be There’ http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-have-what-nationals-desperately-need-and-wade-davis-has- no-doubts-well-be-there

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs Finally Starting To See ‘Wins Don’t Just Happen Because You’re Talented And You Show Up’ http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-finally-starting-see-wins-dont-just-happen-because-youre- talented-and-you-show

 CSNChicago.com, ’s Attitude With Cubs At Low Point: ‘What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger’ http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/kris-bryants-attitude-cubs-low-point-what-doesnt-kill-you-makes- you-stronger

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs 'freshmen and sophomores' lead 9th-inning rally in 5-4 win over Nationals http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-nationals-spt-0630-20170629-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Kris Bryant feels 'a ton' better after spraining ankle, hopes to avoid DL http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-kris-bryant-sprained-ankle-better-spt-0630- 20170629-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Kyle Schwarber in Iowa: 1-for-3 with a single, walk and strikeout on Thursday http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-kyle-schwarber-iowa-cubs-stats-20170629- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs will have more say calling pitches as young mature http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-pitchers-young-catchers-cubs-notes-spt-0630- 20170629-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, on Cubs' lack of winning edge: 'We’ve been playing from behind' http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-theo-epstein-joe-maddon-20170629- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs prospect Eloy Jimenez invited to Futures Game http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-eloy-jimenez-futures-game-20170629- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Trade bores: Can Cubs make big second-half push without outside help? http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/trade-bores-can-cubs-make-big-second-half-push-without-outside-help/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Risky business? Montero DFA means little experience among Cub catchers http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/risky-business-montero-dfa-means-little-experience-among-cub- catchers/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Ankle sprain could keep Cubs’ Kris Bryant out until at least next week http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/ankle-sprain-could-keep-kris-bryant-out-until-at-least-next-week/

 Chicago Sun-Times, There’s lots of blame to go around for 2017 Cubs debacle-in-the-making http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/theres-lots-of-blame-to-go-around-for-2017-cubs-debacle-in-the-making/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Hall of Fame to honor Cubs 2016 run with new exhibition http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/hall-of-fame-to-honor-cubs-2016-world-series-run/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Should the Cubs bring back ‘Grandpa Rossy’? http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/should-the-cubs-bring-back-grandpa-rossy/

 Daily Herald, Cubs have standings, NL Central, calendar in their favor http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170629/cubs-have-standings-nl-central-calendar-in-their-favor

 Daily Herald, Bryant says ankle feels much better; no timetable for return http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170629/bryant-says-ankle-feels-much-better-no-timetable-for-return

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Cubs.com Jay powers 3-run 9th as Cubs rally to top Nats By Kyle Melnick and Carrie Muskat

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals' bullpen has proven time and again that anything is possible against it, regardless of the lead it holds. That was reinforced Thursday against the Cubs.

With two outs in the top of the ninth and the Nationals ahead by two, the Cubs laced together three consecutive hits and three runs to take the lead before Wade Davis threw a scoreless bottom of the ninth inning to seal the 5-4 victory.

"A win's a win -- it doesn't matter how it looks, how we get there," Chicago starter said. "We'll take two of four from a really good team. Hopefully, this can build a little momentum for us."

The Nationals lost more than the game, revealing afterward that shortstop had a broken bone in his right wrist from a HBP in the seventh. Turner was hit by a fastball, but stayed in the game until the top of the ninth when he was replaced by Stephen Drew in a double switch. Postgame X-rays revealed the fracture.

The Nationals did not announce a timetable for Turner's return. Braves star Freddie Freeman sustained a similar injury six weeks ago and is expected to begin a rehab assignment this weekend. Washington has 13 weeks remaining in the regular season and holds a 9 1/2-game lead over Atlanta in the National League East.

The loss marked the Nationals' Majors-leading sixth when entering the ninth with a lead.

"I just didn't execute," said Blake Treinen, who's 3-for-5 in save opportunities this season. "Joe [Ross] threw a great game, and the offense did everything they could to get us out of here with a win, and I came in and didn't do my job. I need to be better. It's getting exhausting, and I'm sure these guys are sick of seeing the same result when I'm out there."

The Nationals claimed the lead in the seventh inning when Anthony Rendon hit a two-run homer and Brian Goodwin knocked an RBI single. The lead lasted until Jon Jay's double scored the tying and winning runs.

"That was a big rally," Jay said of the Cubs' three-run ninth. "We kept the line moving and had some great at-bats there."

The Cubs' success against the Nationals' bullpen spoiled Ross' second quality start in as many outings. The right- hander allowed two runs and struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings. Lester allowed just one run in his six innings and struck out seven.

"We are a really good team now," Nationals manager Dusty Baker said, "but we still need some help."

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Man on the run: Turner ran all over the Cubs this series, stealing seven bases and setting a career high with 35 swiped bags for the season Thursday. On Tuesday, the Nationals stole seven bases, including four from Turner, with behind the plate.

Turner stole two more bases Thursday, but the Cubs caught him stealing for the first time in the four-game set when he delayed his steal of third in the first inning, limiting the Nationals to just one run in the frame. also caught speedster Michael Taylor stealing second in the fifth inning, stabilizing Washington on the basepaths for the first time this series.

Candy man: The Cubs were without Kris Bryant (ankle), but rookie Jeimer Candelario filled in at third, hitting his first Major League leading off the seventh for a brief 2-1 lead. Candelario was making his fourth consecutive start since he was called up when (hand) went on the disabled list. The rookie launched an 0-1 pitch from Ross 425 feet to right-center.

"I was trying to throw a fastball inside," Ross said. "It was just left over the middle. He put a good swing on it and put it out to right field. It was a hot day today, so kind of off the bat I knew it was gone."

Candelario was hit by a pitch on the left knee in the ninth. He stayed in the game, but could barely run to second. X-rays were negative and he has a painful contusion.

QUOTABLE

"Obviously, [the Nationals'] starting pitching is outstanding, they have some speed and just like advertised, their bullpen, they're probably going to do something about that. The starting pitching is outstanding, power, speed, good defense. They played really well. We got to their bullpen tonight. I think what we had heard [about them] coming in was pretty much true." -- Cubs manager Joe Maddon

"[Treinen's] got great stuff, probably the best stuff on the team. So to even see him get hit sometimes, I'm pretty surprised." -- Ross

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Davis retired the side in the ninth to pick up his 16th save in 16 tries. His 16 consecutive save conversions to begin the season extends the Cubs' franchise record.

BAKER EJECTED

Baker was fired up after Ryan Raburn struck out in the sixth inning, seeming to believe Raburn fouled the ball off on the final pitch. Baker left the dugout and argued with first-base umpire David Rackley before he was ejected for the first time in his two years with the Nationals.

WHAT'S NEXT

Cubs: Mike Montgomery will make his fifth start on Friday when the Cubs open a three-game series against the Reds. The lefty is coming off a loss to the Marlins in which he gave up three unearned runs in the first inning, then didn't allow another. First pitch will be 6:10 p.m. CT from Great American Ball Park.

Nationals: Tanner Roark will look for his first quality start since June 4 when the Nationals begin a three-game series against the Cardinals at 8:15 p.m. ET Friday at Busch Stadium. Washington won the series when the teams met in April.

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Cubs.com 'Frosh' faces spark depleted Cubs lineup By Carrie Muskat

With Kris Bryant nursing a sprained ankle, Jason Heyward sidelined with a sore hand, beginning a rehab assignment with Double-A Tennessee and lots of kids on the roster, manager Joe Maddon struggled to put together a lineup. He had a bunch of kids -- mainly freshmen and sophomores -- and they delivered.

Rookie Jeimer Candelario hit a go-ahead home run in the seventh but the Cubs needed a three-run rally in the ninth to beat the Nationals, 5-4, and split the four-game series.

"It's good to see the freshmen and sophmores coming through today," Maddon said. "The frosh had a good day."

Not only did the Cubs get the win, but hopefully, with it some confidence.

"That's the kind of game -- they have to know they can do that, we have to know we can do that," Maddon said. "Young guys who have not been here a long time, they need to take that -- I don't want to say the leadership role -- but they have to get to the next level that, 'I belong here, I can do this, I can win.' Hopefully, we'll find out [Friday] if it has that kind of impact."

It was a day Candelario won't forget. Making his fourth consecutive start at third since he was promoted from Triple-A, he led off the seventh with his first Major League home run, giving the Cubs a 2-1 lead. He had an even bigger at-bat in the ninth when he was hit by a pitch with one out. That started the Cubs' rally.

Candelario couldn't celebrate. He was plunked on the left knee by Blake Treinen, and the good news for the Cubs is that X-rays were negative. He was barely able to walk under his own power and has a contusion. His status for Friday is uncertain. His status in the game was clear -- he was done. Candelario walked slowly to first, and was easily forced at second on rookie Victor Caratini's ground ball. Javier Baez then singled and pinch-hitter smacked an RBI single.

"There was no panic, no worry," La Stella said about the feeling on the Cubs' bench.

Jon Jay, the upperclassman in the lineup, then delivered a two-run double for the game-winner.

Maddon wasn't sure who would play where in the ninth with Candelario unable to continue.

"When I saw him in the duogout, there was no chance for him to play," Maddon said. "When you lose him, you'll do whatever it takes to win -- [bullpen Chad] Noble's got to play, [coach Franklin] Font's got to play. It worked out well. Tommy had a great at-bat and Jon Jay, struggling all night, then hits the ball in the gap."

Jon Lester started, and didn't factor in the win. He got to watch the drama.

"That lineup never gives up," Lester said of the Nationals. "They've got some boppers in there who put up good at- bats. It doesn't mater how it looks -- a win's a win."

Jay, who was 0-for-10 before his double, agreed that an inning like the ninth is something the youngsters can build on.

"That was big, especially for them to let them know we're never out of a game," Jay said. "No matter what's going on, you have to finish the whole game, 27 outs. That was a big experience for those guys and we have to keep building off of it."

The Cubs are one game above .500 (40-39) heading into Cincinnati. They've split four-game series against the Marlins, and now, the Nationals.

"I'll take that," Maddon said. "I know our record is not the best but our position in the standings is great, so I'll take that now over the record. The boys got it done today."

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Cubs.com Bryant's right ankle sprain feeling 'a lot better' By Carrie Muskat

WASHINGTON -- Kris Bryant was more concerned about getting an omelette Thursday morning than his right ankle, which is good news for the Cubs.

Bryant suffered a mild-to-moderate ankle sprain on Wednesday when he awkwardly stepped on third base after catching Matt Wieters' popup. Bryant had to be helped off the field with manager Joe Maddon and athletic trainer Ed Halbur as his "crutches." On Thursday, the right ankle was swollen but Bryant was feeling better.

"It's obviously some kind of a sprain," Maddon said. "We're not applying any kind of finish line to it. I saw him walk on the bus and I thought it was encouraging to see that. We just have to give this a couple days."

"I feel a lot better," Bryant said. "After the game we did a bunch of [rehab] stuff that didn't feel good but it made me feel better today. I feel a ton better."

It was a freakish play.

"The ball started pretty far over from the bag and I thought I was far away from [the base] but the ball came back to the field," Bryant said. "I heard Javy [Baez] say something, like, 'Watch out for the bag,' and it was one step. I can't believe it happened.

"I've sprained a lot of ankles before and I've had way worse," he said. "You feel it and you're like, 'Oh, that's not good.'"

Could he pinch-hit on Thursday in the series finale against the Nationals?

"No clue," Bryant said. "I'm going to go eat an omelette."

• With Miguel Montero no longer on the Cubs' roster, they are relying on very young catchers in Willson Contreras, 25, and Victor Caratini, 23. Maddon said the pitchers may need to call pitches to help the two.

"I prefer when a gives a signal to a catcher in advance of the next pitch -- a lot of guys do it," Maddon said. "I think there's methods where the veteran should take charge of the situation, whether it's the pitcher or the catcher.

"These are two really good young catchers to grow with. They're great students, they're great kids." Maddon said.

• Maddon said he would text Kyle Schwarber soon to see how the slugger is doing since he was optioned to Triple- A Iowa. Schwarber, who was batting .171 with the Cubs before he was sent down, started play there Monday. "From what I'm hearing, he's saying all the right things and going about it the right way but I haven't heard anything specifically," Maddon said.

• The 2017 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard is right around the corner but Maddon admitted he needs to do some homework regarding the National League pitching staff, which he will manage. He and Cubs pitching coach , who is also going to the game in Miami, will meet with officials on July 10 to discuss how they'll use the pitchers.

"I don't even know who's pitching well, who's leading in ERA," Maddon admitted. "I'll have to bring myself up to speed next week."

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Cubs.com Epstein: Cubs still searching for edge, identity By Carrie Muskat

WASHINGTON -- It's one thing to try to find a leadoff hitter. The Cubs are trying to find their identity.

Since taking over as the Cubs' president of baseball operations, has stressed building a winning culture and that point was emphasized on Wednesday when Miguel Montero was designated for assignment after criticizing . It's been a disjointed start to the season for the defending World Series champs, who have hovered around the .500 mark.

"I don't think we've established our identity yet. I don't think we've found our edge yet that we'll need to play with to win games," Epstein said. "Wins don't just happen because you're talented and you show up. You have to come to the park with an edge every day and come together as a team and play together to win and play with a certain edge. We're going to find it."

Montero wasn't the problem but Epstein feels the team's decision to act as it did reinforces the team concept. He hopes it pays off the remainder of the season.

"They did it last year -- it's in our guys, I think it's in their DNA," Epstein said. "The single best thing we ever did with this organization is turning it over to the players, to this group of players, because we believe in them. It has to manifest and it has to show up and we do have to find that identity. New year, new identity to a certain extent. I think this will be a step in us getting there."

So, how does a team find its identity?

"It's a hard thing to define," Epstein said. "It's like the Supreme Court said about pornography -- you know it when you see it. I think our identity last year was all our guys got to the point where they felt they were part of something bigger than themselves, they felt completely connected with one another, they felt they were on a mission to win the World Series for the first time in 108 years.

"Part of their identity [last year] was that they were keenly aware of how talented they were and what a special opportunity it was and how as long as they had each others' backs, things would work out really well for this group," Epstein said. "That meant maybe playing multiple positions or taking less playing time or backing up a teammate rather than playing a leading role.

"For the most part, we really did that and that was a huge part of this club's identity and nothing was going to get in the way of the group working together to make history and taking advantage of the special opportunity they had."

Cubs manager Joe Maddon has had to juggle lineups because of injuries to key players such as Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist and . The average age of Monday's lineup was 24, youngest in the Major Leagues for any game at that point.

"We're missing a lot of key components that drove us to the World Series last year," Maddon said, "and now we're building another group of components who can take us back there again."

Who expected to be playing a significant role this early? The Cubs are young but they're still in the race in the National League Central.

"It's unrealistic to think we'd be 15 games over .500 with this group right now -- c'mon," Maddon said. "These guys are finding their way. To be where we're at actually, to me, is kind of good. I like where we're at based on everything that's occurred to this moment.

"I think we're very skillful, we're very talented, we're good," he said. "We lack experience on the Major League level now. I'm still confident we can do this, very confident."

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Cubs.com Top prospect Jimenez called for Futures Game By Carrie Muskat

WASHINGTON -- Cubs top prospect Eloy Jimenez, who shined in last year's event, was named to the World Team for the Futures Game for the second consecutive year.

Catcher Victor Caratini also was named to the World Team but was promoted to the Cubs on Wednesday and will miss the event.

The 2017 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game takes place on Sunday, July 9, at 4 p.m. ET at Marlins Park in Miami and can be viewed live on MLB Network and MLB.com.

Now in its 19th year, the Futures Game features the top Minor League prospects competing in a nine-inning contest as part of All-Star Sunday. The U.S. Team leads the all-time series, 11-7. Last year in San Diego, the World Team defeated the U.S., 11-3, snapping a six-game U.S. winning streak.

Last year, Jimenez hit a three-run homer and a double and finished with four RBIs. He also made a tremendous catch that was the defensive play of the game.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon saw Jimenez in Spring Training this year.

"This kid is quite a talent, great kid, too, and very bright," Maddon said. "It's an easy conversation with him. He's open and he listens well and he adapts well. Besides being this physical specimen with all kinds of tools, he has something going on between his ears which I think will benefit him. I don't know when it will be, but he's going to be here at some point for a long period of time."

Ranked No. 1 among the Cubs' top 30 prospects by MLBPipeline, Jimenez, 20, was batting .269 in 33 games with Myrtle Beach this season, hitting seven home runs, four doubles and one triple.

Major League Baseball, in conjunction with MLB.com, Baseball America and the 30 Major League clubs, selected the 25 players currently on each team. Each Major League organization is represented and players from all full- season Minor League teams were eligible to be selected.

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Cubs.com Montgomery, Cubs looking to gain ground By Carrie Muskat

The Cubs have had to deal with injuries, inconsistent pitching and an underachieving offense, and aren't running away with the National League Central Division the way they did last year. On Friday, Chicago has a chance to gain some ground in the division when it faces Cincinnati at Great American Ball Park. The Cubs are 5-1 against the Reds so far this season.

"The good thing for us is that no team has really taken charge in the division and as poorly as we feel like we've played from time to time, I believe we're only a game back," said Jake Arrieta, who will start the series finale on Sunday. "We've still got plenty of time to play."

On Friday, Mike Montgomery will make his fifth start of the season when he faces former Cubs pitcher Scott Feldman, who leads the Reds in innings pitched and has posted a 3.68 ERA in five June starts.

The Cubs may be without Kris Bryant, the reigning NL Most Valuable Player, who sprained his right ankle Wednesday when he awkwardly stepped on third base after catching a popup. Bryant's status was day to day. He may try to rush his rehab. Bryant has batted .300 with five home runs, seven doubles and 20 RBIs in 21 games at GABP.

Bryant also wants to help the Cubs get back on track.

"This is different than what I've experienced the last two years," said Bryant, of the Cubs playing .500 baseball. "I just think it's important that we learn from it and all the things we're going through now and it makes us better for the future. This point, being as low as we are right now and where we're at will make us better."

Considering that the Cubs are relying on what manager Joe Maddon calls "underclassmen," they're feeling pretty good about being close to the first-place Brewers.

"In spite of all the baseball adversity we've had this year, we're actually in pretty good shape," Maddon said. "Of course, I don't like our record ... but positionally speaking, not bad."

Three things to know about this game

• Montgomery's 27.5-percent called-strike rate in his last outing was the highest by a Cubs starting pitcher this season. Among the lefty's 25 called strikes, 12 came on the first pitch.

• Zack Cozart (strained right quad) may return from the disabled list on Friday. Reds manager Brian Price said he wants to keep Scooter Gennett in the lineup when Cozart returns. Gennett has played second base, and was batting .317 this month. Cozart has been sidelined since June 17.

"We're going to get through today, and he could be as early as [Friday], but we'll get to [Friday] and define that for sure," Price said. "I think today is just going to be a day of rest. And I think there's a good chance tomorrow, or certainly this weekend, that he'll be back in the lineup."

• Ben Zobrist (left wrist) began a rehab assignment Thursday with Double-A Tennessee and he'll return when he tells Maddon he's ready. Jason Heyward (left hand abrasion) has been throwing and hitting in the cages but still needs time to heal.

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ESPNChicago.com From the win column to the clubhouse, these Cubs are nothing like last year's Cubs By Jesse Rogers

WASHINGTON -- Remember that feeling a year ago when the rode a 25-6 start to a 103-win season and looked like a runaway train that nothing could stop along the way? Well, just one look at the standings shows how much has changed in the short time since their 2016 season culminated with a November championship parade through downtown Chicago.

Nobody has learned more about the ripple effects of that change than catcher Miguel Montero, who was sent packing for calling out pitcher Jake Arrieta earlier this week. Publicly criticizing teammates is the third rail in sports, but even Montero could have survived the moment had Chicago's record mirrored its place in the 2016 standings. The Cubs said as much while dismissing the charismatic and popular, though controversial, veteran.

"Had we been in a spot where this group had already formed its identity and was clicking on all cylinders and had overcome adversity and come together as a team ... maybe it could have been handled differently without action from above," said Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein.

But this year is nothing like last year.

Seeking an identity

A season ago, Chicago rarely strayed from looking like a team that was enjoying ending 108 years of heartbreak. Nearly halfway through this season, the team is still struggling to define who it is and where it is headed.

This season has been one of starts and stops leading to a frustrating record: The Cubs have never been worse than two games under .500 or better than four games over. They've been exactly .500 16 different times this year.

"I don't think we've established our identity yet," Epstein said. "I don't think we've found our edge, yet. Wins don't just happen because you're talented and you show up. You have to come to the park every day and come together as a team every day."

Wins also don't happen if core guys aren't available. Jason Heyward (hand), Ben Zobrist (wrist), Kyle Hendricks (finger) and now even Kris Bryant (ankle) are missing in action. And in a season of well-documented issues off the field and injury issues on it, has been a shell of himself compared to last season when he produced big hit after big hit.

While the Cubs have battled injuries keeping key players out of the lineup, they have also missed 's clubhouse presence. Though much of the veteran's impact can only be defined as intangible, Ross is the kind of leader that could help find the missing edge Epstein mentioned.

"It's hard to create edginess under those circumstances," manager Joe Maddon said. "We're missing some folks from last year, and we've been injured a little bit.

"We have some underclassman playing right now. So we're breaking in that group."

The result of all the instability is an even younger team than when the Cubs were rebuilding.

On Monday, they fielded the youngest lineup in baseball this season -- with an average age of 24.8 years. In fact, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, that lineup was the youngest for a defending champion since the 1998 Florida Marlins, who were in a rebuild after winning it all the year before.

A silver lining?

Youth, injuries, evolving leadership, constant change and inconsistent play might sound like a formula to test any manager, but Maddon sees a bright side to what his team is going through.

Sure, the injuries are keeping them from going on a run -- or quickly finding that identity -- but they're also keeping guys who have played two long seasons in a row off their feet. Come August and September, Maddon plans on unleashing the dogs.

"I see, in a perverse way, a lot of benefits being derived from all this," Maddon said. "Keeping guys healthy and well going into August and September -- kind of digging on that."

Last year was about "embracing the target" as Maddon steered his team through pressure and expectations from Day 1. But he knows from experience that managing is a year-by-year exercise, and the most important thing is having his team ready to play when the games matter most.

When he was a coach in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels often "faded" in the last months of the season. After he became manager in Tampa Bay, he made sure the end of the year wasn't the end for the Rays.

"The thing that we did often down there was finish strong," Maddon said. "We did. The one that sticks out [in a bad way] is 2009 after the World Series, when we did that. That always stuck in my mind post-deep run into playoffs. That's what I'm trying to avoid right now so the guys are fresh come August and September. Hopefully, some other teams are wearing down by then."

Coming off their run to the 2008 World Series, Maddon's Rays were 15-12 in August of 2009 -- but went just 9-17 in September and faded out of contention in the American League East race as a result.

One key difference between this year's Cubs and those 2009 Rays is the competition within each team's division. While Tampa Bay had to compete with a 103-win team that went on to win the World Series and a 95-win Boston Red Sox squad, the Cubs are very much in the thick of a mediocre NL Central race.

So even though it has been hard to find many similarities to last year's team, this edition still has plenty of time to come together and leave a mark of its own.

"It doesn't always happen," Epstein said. "You could be striving for an identity all year and not find it. We need to find it, and I think we will.

"It's in our guys. It's in their DNA. They did it last year. The single best thing we did in this organization is turning it over to the players. It has to manifest. It has to show up."

The fact that "it" hasn't shown up yet is the reason Montero was shown the door. As the culture develops, the Cubs simply didn't want his poor judgment to be a part of it. And being 0-for-31 throwing out base runners this season certainly didn't help his case.

But even though the front office deemed Montero's departure necessary, his exit adds another question mark to a season of uncertainty. What they gain in jettisoning an unstable attitude and questionable arm behind the plate, they lose in experience. Can the Cubs really go all the way with two young catchers? With Willson Contreras and freshly summoned rookie Victor Caratini the only two backstops on the current roster, Maddon was asked about bringing in a veteran.

"Depends on who the guy is," he responded. "I like our catchers now. ... These are two really young catchers to grow with."

There's the rub. The Cubs are trying to develop and win at the same time. It worked last year, but then again, everything worked in 2016.

"We'll be looking for outside help in the sense you always have to have depth at catcher," general manager said.

So no matter how much Maddon likes his current options, it's hard to imagine the trade deadline passing without a veteran catcher unpacking his belongings in Chicago's clubhouse. It has been tough enough trying to get something out of or even Arrieta these days. They might need a David Ross-type. And notice the word "type" -- Ross says he's not considering the job for himself. All of this means the Cubs must try to turn Montero's departure into a positive, if that can be done.

"I look at the situation as a negative, but I look at having adversity as sort of a good thing," Hoyer said. "Our clubhouse culture is fine. Having one incident isn't indicative of a bad culture."

But it could be indicative of a fragile one. That's not saying anything extraordinary, as it would be expected for a clubhouse full of young players. Is there frustration? Of course, with World Series expectations and a 40-39 record, how could there not be? But it stems from the feeling that the tide is about to be turned -- until it's not.

"It's around the corner, but we need to do what we can to prioritize it," Epstein said. "It has not come as naturally for us this year, and we need to make it happen."

Arrieta added: "Some of the frustration comes from getting on a roll and kind of going the opposite way for a certain period of time. That's kind of the story of the year."

Are the wins coming?

Maddon is banking on it all coming together after the All-Star break. His walking wounded, including Bryant, should be ready. Russell will be that much further from his off-the-field issues. And his pitching staff will be as rested as any.

But if the culture isn't developed by then, it might never develop. And if the run doesn't happen at that point, it may never happen. In a year when we've said "it's coming" many times only to watch the Cubs go backward, the final moments of clarity about this team are coming. Not yet, but soon. Can the 2017 Cubs meet the challenge in the way the 2016 team did?

"I like the experience they're getting, and we're getting some guys well," Maddon said. "Recordwise, of course I'd like to have a better record, but positionally-wise we're in good shape."

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ESPNChicago.com Inside the Cubs' ninth-inning rally to beat the Nationals By Jesse Rogers

WASHINGTON – The Chicago Cubs didn’t declare Thursday’s ninth-inning rally over the a needed victory, but it sure felt good to them nonetheless. Let’s go inside the inning that earned the Cubs a dramatic split of their four-game series.

Cubs trail 4-2, top 9.

After Addison Russell struck out against Nationals pitcher Blake Treinen, the rally began with rookie Jeimer Candelario getting hit by a pitch near his left knee. He went down to the ground in clear pain but stayed in the game.

“He got hit pretty darn good,” manager Joe Maddon said afterward.

Candelario was taken for X-rays after the game -- they were negative -- but he could be seen inside and out of the Cubs clubhouse still in pain.

“To wear that hit-by-pitch, man, that was big,” teammate Jon Jay said.

A near double play off the bat of Victor Caratini almost ended the game, but the ball was bobbled at second base, allowing Caratini to reach. Javier Baez kept the inning going with a base hit, moving Caratini to third.

“There was no panic when we got down, especially in that last inning,” infielder Tommy La Stella said. “Everyone was on the same page.”

La Stella strode to the plate as a pinch hitter with the Cubs still down 4-2 but the tying runs on base.

“Just getting something I can handle, making sure I don’t expand the zone,” La Stella said. “[Treinen] has power stuff, so I wanted to make sure I got something I can hit and take a nice, easy swing at it.”

La Stella took a 1-1 pitch over the shortstop’s head for an RBI hit as Baez moved up to third. That made it 4-3, and it led to a new nickname for La Stella, whom Maddon famously dubbed "3 a.m."

“Tommy is like a gnat,” starter Jon Lester said. “He finds that ability to foul off pitches and have good, quality at- bats. Same with Jay. You look up and Jay’s 3-2 or 2-2 and it’s a seven- or eight-pitch at-bat. These guys always have good at-bats.”

Jay was next. The key moment of the night was upon us. The tying run was 90 feet away, with the lead run standing at first base.

“Trying to have a good at-bat, building off my teammates there,” Jay said. “Candy wearing that hit-by-pitch and Tommy with a good at-bat. Just trying to do my thing and keep the line moving.”

Jay didn’t wait long. He hit a 1-0 pitch to the gap in right center as Baez and then La Stella crossed the plate. The Cubs had their third, and final, lead of the game, 5-4.

“Situation you want to be up in,” Jay said. “You slow things down. That was awesome. To rally back the way we did was good for us. It reminds us we’re a good team and we never quit.”

Maddon added: “Tommy [had a] great at-bat and all of a sudden the ball is in the gap [with Jay]. There we have it. ... The last two series, tough places to play, and we came out of it .500. I’ll take that right now.”

Maddon indicated his “frosh and sophomores” came through as the Cubs are fielding a very young lineup right now. There were no Rizzos or Bryants in the middle of this rally.

Lester agreed. “I don’t really care what people’s names are,” he said. They’re big leaguers. ... To come up with two big hits from those guys was huge for us.”

La Stella summed up the mood in the clubhouse afterward.

“You never want to say you need a win, because we definitely didn’t, but it was nice to get that one,” he said.

It was the Cubs' league-leading fourth win when trailing after eight innings. And it was a good one, perhaps the best of the season considering the opponent and circumstances.

“You’re always looking for that moment [to spark you],” Maddon said. “You don’t know until the next day’s game is played. But I loved the way we fought to the very end.”

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CSNChicago.com Cubs Have What Nationals Desperately Need And Wade Davis Has No Doubts: ‘We’ll Be There’ By Patrick Mooney

WASHINGTON – Wade Davis scanned the clubhouse near the end of spring training and called the Cubs “a crazy talented group,” counting 10 or 12 players among the best in Major League Baseball.

Davis has been as good as advertised, the All-Star closer the Cubs would have for an entire season instead of a rental like , fueling optimism/delusions the defending champs could actually be better than last year’s World Series team.

But all that on-paper talent has translated into a 40-39 record and a high-water mark of four games over .500 (in late May). The Cubs are running a half-game behind a first-place Milwaukee Brewers team with a $56 million Opening Day payroll.

Board member Todd Ricketts – who once told a “Screw you, Matt Harvey!” story at the 2016 Cubs Convention – still called out the Washington Nationals during this week’s White House visit and told Donald Trump: “We’re going to run into these guys in the playoffs. You’ll see them crumble.”

The reality check for the Cubs is that it has become a matter of getting there. But Thursday’s 5-4 ninth-inning comeback victory –and the scattered boos at Nationals Park after another bullpen meltdown – showed how Washington could be this year’s San Francisco Giants.

That would be the team with great starting pitchers, a strong everyday lineup and the nowhere-to-turn bullpen the Cubs exploited in last year’s first-round series. That makes Davis – 16-for-16 in save chances and 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA after finishing off both wins in this four-game series – such a difference-maker if the Cubs get to October.

“I’ve been on teams before where you know their confidence is lacking,” Davis said, “and people don’t necessarily believe this year they’re that good. I don’t think you see that here on any of our guys.

“I think we’ll be there. We know what to do.”

The Nationals (47-32) will have to do something to fix a bullpen with a 4.98 ERA and 13 blown saves or else risk wasting another season of and ’s brilliance. Not that anyone else around the Cubs would talk trash and back up Ricketts’ prediction.

“I’m not into billboard-material quotes,” general manager Jed Hoyer said. “We got to worry about our own house right now, in my opinion. We’re one game over .500. That’s exactly where we deserve to be. We haven’t played well enough beyond that.

“(The Nationals) have taken care of business. These guys look great. They’ve run away with the division. They’ve lived up to their potential. And we should be looking up to them right now. They’ve played this season so far the way we should play this season.

“Hopefully, we’ll play that way the rest of the year. But right now, they’re in a much better position than we are.”

Davis – a calming presence in the bullpen and playoff-tested after getting the final out of the 2015 World Series for the Kansas City Royals – doesn’t believe in hangovers or overreactions.

“Baseball’s going to be different every year,” Davis said. “I don’t care how good you are or what you win. (This is) what the flow of the season is – how we’re playing, what we’re executing, the breaks we’re getting or not getting. It’s where we are right now, but we feel we’re in a good spot.

“I think we’ll end up being where we need to be. Everything is like a building block. You get better at certain things. And at some point, you hope you’re right where you want to be and then you take off.”

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CSNChicago.com Cubs Finally Starting To See ‘Wins Don’t Just Happen Because You’re Talented And You Show Up’ By Patrick Mooney

WASHINGTON – If the Cubs hadn’t just won the World Series less than eight months ago – and Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon didn’t already have Hall of Fame resumes – this indictment would sound a lot like the team president putting the manager on the hot seat.

“I don’t think we’ve found our edge yet that we’ll need to play with to win games,” Epstein said after dumping veteran catcher Miguel Montero. “Wins don’t just happen because you’re talented and you show up.

“You have to come to the park with an edge every day and come together as a team every day and play to win. You have to play with a certain edge that we’re striving for as a group.”

It would look a lot like this 5-4 comeback win on Thursday at Nationals Park: Jon Lester delivering as the $155 million ace, a B lineup scraping together a two-out, three-run, ninth-inning rally against an awful Washington bullpen and Wade Davis slamming the door on a first-place team.

There are only so many buttons left to push and Epstein clearly wanted to rattle the clubhouse, because Jake Arrieta isn’t the sensitive type and didn’t really care about or disagree with Montero’s scathing comments about his inability to control the running game.

But for all the drama so far, the Cubs are 4-4 on a road trip that began with the Kyle Schwarber-to-Iowa news and now a game over .500 as the season nears the halfway point this weekend in Cincinnati.

“We’ve never been able to get on a roll, and with that comes that edgy kind of a feeling,” Maddon said. “We’ve underachieved offensively. And our starting pitching has not been as good as we thought. So we’ve been playing from behind a lot. It’s hard to create edginess under those circumstances.

“We’re missing some folks from last year, and we’ve been injured a little bit. So, again, I understand the comment. And to a certain extent I totally agree with it. But it’s not for a lack of effort or lack of caring.”

With reigning National League MVP Kris Bryant resting a sprained right ankle, Jeimer Candelario launched his first big-league homer in the seventh inning off and started the ninth-inning comeback when Blake Treinen’s 99-mph fastball smashed into his left knee (the X-rays were negative).

“We got some underclassmen playing right now,” Maddon said. “We’re breaking in that group, so it’s different. It’s hard to accuse these guys of not quite getting it, because they’re still trying to figure some stuff out.

“There’s a difference from last year to this year, I think. And, again, in spite of all the maladies to this point, thank God we’re in this division right now."

The Cubs are running out of shock-value moves – and not playing like a team that will force the front office to pick up rental players or win an insane bidding war for a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Whatever that “edge” is, the Cubs will either find it and have Wrigleyville rocking in October or slowly turn this into a developmental season.

“We’re right there,” said Lester, who gave up one run in six innings and got the no-decision. “The record and the way we’ve been playing is not ideal. We all can admit to that here in this clubhouse.

“But at the end of the day, we’re one (Milwaukee) loss away from being in first place. That’s what you’re playing for during the season – to make the playoffs – no matter how you get in.” --

CSNChicago.com Kris Bryant’s Attitude With Cubs At Low Point: ‘What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger’ By Patrick Mooney

WASHINGTON – Kris Bryant called it the “lowest point” of his charmed career as a Cub after a 9-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field dropped the defending champs to 30-31 on June 10.

Since then, Kyle Hendricks (right hand tendinitis) experienced a setback that will likely delay his return to the rotation until after the All-Star break. World Series MVP Ben Zobrist (left wrist inflammation) and Gold Glove Jason Heyward (left hand abrasion) went on the disabled list.

All-Star shortstop Addison Russell had to answer questions about divorce proceedings and a Major League Baseball investigation. Playoff legend Kyle Schwarber got demoted to Triple-A Iowa. Veteran catcher Miguel Montero torched Jake Arrieta in an epic postgame rant and got designated for assignment. The Cubs won nine of their next 17 games.

Almost forgot: Bryant heard his right ankle pop on Wednesday night at Nationals Park when he awkwardly landed on third base while catching a pop-up. The reigning National League MVP walked through the visiting clubhouse on Thursday afternoon carrying a book recommended by mental skills program coordinator Darnell McDonald: “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F---.”

“I don’t know if it’s any different,” said Bryant, who felt “relieved” and “a ton better,” doubting that the sprain would force him onto the disabled list. “It’s still kind of just – you win a game, you lose a game, you win a game. It’s OK, you’re keeping your head above water, but it’s just different than what I’ve experienced.

“There’s going to be times like that. But I just think it’s important that we learn from all the things that we’re going through now, so that it makes us better in the future. I definitely do think that this point – and being as low as we are right now – is still going to make us better.”

Where had been part of Cubs teams that lost 286 games between 2012 and 2014, Bryant helped the franchise win 97 games and two playoff rounds during his Rookie of the Year campaign – and then deliver its first World Series title since the Theodore Roosevelt administration.

What the Cubs need now are the qualities that separate Bryant beyond just his sweet swing and athleticism – mental toughness, emotional intelligence and the ability to process failure.

This is someone who – as the No. 2 overall pick in the draft – went 0-for-5 with five strikeouts in his Class-A Boise debut in the summer of 2013. And whiffed three times and went 0-for-4 when he made it to The Show in April 2015. Bryant joked about Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Cody Bellinger.

“He’s starting off way too hot,” Bryant said. “I didn’t hit a home run for my first 20 games or something. But that stuff does go a long way and help you (when you realize): I’ve been through this before. I’ve hit under .200 for a month. You just fall back on those things. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

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Chicago Tribune Cubs 'freshmen and sophomores' lead 9th-inning rally in 5-4 win over Nationals By Mark Gonzales

The underclassmen celebrated Thursday like graduates passing their toughest examination.

And with some help from their veteran seniors, the Cubs treasured one of their most satisfying victories without one of their top players.

That made it easy to forget that they are only one game above .500, as they rallied for three runs in the ninth inning to steal a 5-4 victory from the formidable Nationals.

"I know our record (40-39) is not the best, but our position in the standings is great," manager Joe Maddon said. "I'll take that right now over the record. Either way, you want to be in first place. We're handy right now. The floaties are on, and the boys got it done."

Without the services of Kris Bryant — who may return from a right ankle injury as soon as this weekend — the Cubs leaned on clutch hitting from rookie Jeimer Candelario and part-time players Tommy La Stella and Jon Jay to salvage a split of this four-game series against the National League East leaders.

"It's good to see the freshmen and sophomores coming through," Maddon said. "And the frosh had a good game. That's the kind of game they have to know they can do. We have to know they can do that. Young guys who have not been here for a long time need to get to that next level."

Candelario smacked his first major-league home run to put the Cubs ahead 2-1 in the seventh. Then he was drilled on the left knee by a 99-mph pitch from Blake Treinen to start a ninth-inning rally with the club down two runs.

La Stella hit a game-tying, pinch-hit single with two out and Jay followed with a two-run double that prompted nearly the entire dugout to empty.

"I don't really care what their names are," Jon Lester said after pitching six innings of three-hit ball in 89-degree heat. "They're big leaguers. Tommy is like a gnat. He finds that ability to foul off pitches and have good quality at- bats. The same with Jay."

Candelario might be unavailable for at least Friday's series opener at Cincinnati after suffering a painful bruise. Switch-hitting infielder Ben Zobrist will stay with Double-A Tennessee through at least Friday.

For his part, Bryant made remarkable progress after receiving on-going treatment that reduced the swelling and allowed him to walk without a limp.

"We do lean on (Bryant) a lot for the offense and stuff like that, but there are plenty of guys in this clubhouse who are plenty capable of picking up the slack," La Stella said.

Bryant, the reigning NL most valuable player, believes he and his younger teammates will benefit from the challenges that this season has presented, so far falling short of expectations while coping with injuries.

"It's important we learn from things we're going through so it makes us better in the future," Bryant said. "At this point, and being as low as where we're at, it's going to make us better."

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Chicago Tribune Kris Bryant feels 'a ton' better after spraining ankle, hopes to avoid DL By Mark Gonzales

Cubs star Kris Bryant said his swollen right ankle feels "a ton" better and he expects to avoid the 10-day disabled list.

Bryant, the 2016 National League Most Valuable Player, turned his right ankle Wednesday night after catching a popup at Nationals Park and could barely put pressure on his foot while needing assistance as he slowly walked off the field.

But Bryant credited a number of methods, including an ice compressor, for reducing the swelling.

"I'm relieved," Bryant said.

Bryant, who walked with a slight limp, said he believes he could return in a few days after being diagnosed with a mild to moderate sprain.

"I think when you roll an ankle you hear a little pop, but that’s normal," Bryant said. "I’ve done it plenty of times. I thought, ‘oh gosh, here we go again.’ It’s just one of those nagging things.

"You use your feet in everything you do, and it’s a little frustrating it happened that way, but I’m glad it feels a ton better today, and I’m moving very well. I don’t think it will be too long."

Jeimer Candelario will start at third base in place of Bryant in Thursday's series finale against the Nationals.

Bryant said he was surprised at the initial pain.

“The ball started far over from the bag, so I thought I was pretty far away from it, but it was coming back toward the field," Bryant said. "And I heard Javy (Baez) say something, like 'watch out for the bag.’ One step, and I can’t believe it happened.”

"I’ve turned a lot of ankles before, and I’ve had way worse. But initially, we’ve all sprained an ankle playing basketball and feel it and say, 'that’s not good,' or hearing something.'

Bryant, 25, who is batting .264 with 16 home runs and 32 RBIs, has been a mainstay in a lineup that has been constantly juggled because of ineffectiveness and injuries to Ben Zobrist, Jason Heyward and Addison Russell.

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Chicago Tribune Kyle Schwarber in Iowa: 1-for-3 with a single, walk and strikeout on Thursday By Staff

Tracking Kyle Schwarber's progress during his stint with the Triple-A after his demotion from the Cubs.

"You can't press, you can't do anything like that," Schwarber said. "But you try to make things happen. You've got to go back to what made you successful in the first place.

"I'm not here to try to change everything. I want to stay myself. I want to get back to myself, and be confident while doing it. It's an opportunity to relax and get back to being myself and try and get back up there."

Thursday

Schwarber went 1-for-3 with a single, double play grounder, intentional walk and strikeout during a 5-2 win over New Orleans.

Through his first four games at Triple-A Iowa, Schwarber is 5-for-15 with eight strikeouts.

Wednesday

Schwarber went 1-for-4 with a single and three strikeouts.

Tuesday

Schwarber went 2-for-4 with two RBI singles in his second game with the Iowa Cubs, a 7-6 victory over New Orleans. He struck out and flied to center in his other two at-bats.

Monday

Schwarber went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts in his Triple-A debut. He took a called third strike from New Orleans pitcher Chris O'Grady on a 3-2 count in the first inning, then swung and missed a 1-2 pitch in the third. He struck out on another 1-2 pitch to end the fifth and singled to right in the eighth.

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Chicago Tribune Cubs pitchers will have more say calling pitches as young catchers mature By Mark Gonzales

The situation screams for a veteran backup, but the Cubs appear to be content to stick with young catchers Willson Contreras and Victor Caratini on a short-term basis.

"These are really good young catchers to grow with," manager Joe Maddon said. "They're great students. I have a lot of confidence in their prep method that (coach) heads. I'm fine with all this."

Maddon has high praise for Contreras, 25, and marvels over the swing of Caratini, 23, who was promoted after 33- year-old veteran Miguel Montero was designated for assignment.

A seemingly perfect addition would be Tim Federowicz, 29, who played 17 games for the Cubs last season and is familiar with Borzello from their days with the Dodgers. Federowicz is playing for the Giants' Triple-A Sacramento affiliate.

In the meantime, Maddon said his veteran pitchers will have more say in calling pitches.

"In a moment like this, you're relying more on the leadership and the know-how of your starting pitchers than the catchers," Maddon said. "As long as the catchers know the game plan, receive well, block well, throw well, I'm OK with it."

Maddon is aware that pitchers like to stay in rhythm and not be forced to resort to shaking off signs, and he suggested that could be avoided with pitchers signaling pitches to the catchers.

Schwarber watch: Maddon wants to give Kyle Schwarber some space as he tries to regain his hitting stroke at Triple-A Iowa.

On Thursday, Schwarber was 1-for-3 with a single, double play grounder, intentional walk and strikeout. Through his first four games, Schwarber is 5-for-15 with eight strikeouts.

Extra innings: Jason Heyward (left hand cut) took some swings Wednesday, but "still is not quite right," Maddon said. ... Third baseman Nolan Arenado moved past Kris Bryant as the All-Star voting neared its final hours Thursday, while first baseman Anthony Rizzo cut his deficit behind to less than 75,000 votes. The rosters will be announced Sunday. ... Top prospect Eloy Jimenez will represent the Cubs in the Futures Game on July 9 at Marlins Park.

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Chicago Tribune Joe Maddon on Cubs' lack of winning edge: 'We’ve been playing from behind' By Mark Gonzales

A dramatic ninth-inning victory was just the latest in an eventful three-city, 11-game trip for the Cubs that concludes this weekend with a three-game series against the Reds.

The trip started with the optioning of struggling slugger Kyle Schwarber to Triple-A Iowa on June 22 and continued Tuesday with outspoken catcher Miguel Montero designated for assignment.

Hours after Montero was removed for criticizing teammate Jake Arrieta, President Theo Epstein spoke of the need to find the “edge that we’ll need to win games.”

When asked before Thursday’s comeback win about Epstein’s comments, manager Joe Maddon believed the lack of an edge stemmed from the Cubs’ inability to embark on a winning streak.

“And with that comes that edgy feeling,” Maddon said before the Cubs moved one game above the .500 mark with a 5-4 win over the Nationals. “We’ve underachieved offensively, and our starting pitching has not been as good as we thought. We’ve been playing from behind a lot. It’s hard to create edginess under those circumstances. We’re missing some folks from last year. And we’ve been injured a bit, so I understand the comment and I totally agree with it.

“But it’s not for lack of effort or caring. Every year is a different method. Right now we got some underclassmen playing. So we’re breaking in that group, so it’s different. It’s hard to appease these guys of quite not getting it because they’re trying to figure some stuff out.”

And Jon Lester, who pitched six innings of three-hit ball against a powerful Nationals lineup, reiterated the need to focus on winning games, regardless of how the roster changes.

“Regardless of what moves Theo and the front office and ownership and management and all them feel we need to make, the games will still be played,” Lester said. “There are a lot of moving parts. It‘s not too often that you have a team that doesn’t make a move during the entire course of a season. Some of them as a player, you like. Some, you don’t agree with. That’s not our job. Our job is to play and go out and play with who’s in this clubhouse and make the best of it. That’s all we can control. That’s all we can control.”

Lester expressed his appreciation for Montero over the past 2 ½ seasons.

“As a piece of this team that changed history, that’s something he’ll always have,” Lester said. “But at the end of the day, management needs to make decisions, and they made the decision.

“I know Miggy has moved on. I talked to him (Wednesday) for a bit. So that’s part of the game, an unfortunate part of the game, is you don’t know when your last day might be. There are a few people who get to pick that day. And there are a lot that don’t. Hopefully that’s not the end of the road for Miggy. Hopefully he finds a team and continues to keep playing.

“We’re all frustrated and in the heat of the moment, you try to decompress before talking to you guys. Some handle it better than others. That’s something you’d have to ask Miggy. We all get frustrated at times and vent in different ways.”

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Chicago Tribune Cubs prospect Eloy Jimenez invited to Futures Game By Mark Gonzales

Chicago Cubs top prospect Eloy Jimenez has been selected to play in the Futures Game on July 9 at Marlins Park.

Jimenez, a 20-year-old outfielder, is batting .268 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs in 34 games for Class A Myrtle Beach.

Jimenez missed the first weeks of the season because of a right shoulder injury suffered in a spring training game March 14.

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Chicago Sun-Times Trade bores: Can Cubs make big second-half push without outside help? By Gordon Wittenmyer

WASHINGTON — Maybe this was a first step toward the kind of three-week run that inspires the Cubs’ front office to rethink its trade-deadline posture.

Or maybe it was just another step forward — albeit a dramatic one — before another step or two back.

The only thing for sure about the Cubs’ big two-out comeback in the ninth inning Thursday is that it kept them just one game behind the first-place Brewers in the National League Central. And it helped keep hope alive after three months of mediocrity and uncertainty.

“The record and the way we’ve been playing is not ideal,” starter Jon Lester said after the three-run rally against the Nationals’ dismal bullpen gave the Cubs a 5-4 victory and a series split against the NL East leaders.

“But at the end of the day, we’re one game out. We’re one [good day] away from being in first place. That’s what you’re playing for during the season is to make the playoffs.

“No matter how you get in, it really doesn’t matter. You try to find a way to get in.”

But how they’re playing and how it looks matters a lot as the front office approaches the next month leading to the trade deadline.

The Cubs are one game over .500 with an underperforming starting rotation, underperforming lineup and four key players sidelined, including reigning NL MVP Kris Bryant with a day-to-day ankle sprain.

Even Bryant’s backup for the day, rookie Jeimer Candelario, left in extreme pain after starting the ninth-inning rally by getting hit on the inside of his left knee with a fastball.

X-rays were negative, but Candelario was still in visible pain as the medical staff worked on him after the game.

So how does the front office weigh the costs and risks against the rewards on the eve of July during a more complicated 2017 season?

“I do think how this team plays makes a difference in terms of how aggressive you’re going to be at the deadline,” Hoyer said. “There are seasons like last year, when we felt like the team had played so exceptionally well, we had one hole that we wanted to fill, and we aggressively filled it.

“You want to be aggressive every year because it means your team is playing that well,” he added. “But if your team isn’t playing at that level, you do have to look at the future at some point and say whenever we make these deals we know we’re giving up part of the future for now.

“You have to assess now all the time.”

For the most part “now” stinks for these Cubs, especially in relation to their lofty expectations.

But with Ben Zobrist and Bryant expected back in a matter of days — and Kyle Hendricks and Jason Heyward not far behind — maybe July won’t stink. And maybe August and/or September will even be big.

It’s no secret the Cubs plan to pursue starting pitching in July, just as they did during the winter and last summer. That focus has been almost exclusively on controllable starters who can backfill for the anticipated free agent losses of Jake Arrieta and John Lackey.

Hoyer would not talk about specific targets or available players in the system. But if the Cubs had the wherewithal to land a Chris Archer or a Sonny Gray — as opposed to say a Mike Montgomery or an Eddie Butler — those deals would have been made by now.

“I really believe the answers are in the clubhouse,” Hoyer said. “In large part this group won the World Series last year, and I think so many guys in that clubhouse have the ability to have big second halves, with far more [impact] than a trade changing a team.”

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Chicago Sun-Times Risky business? Montero DFA means little experience among Cub catchers By Gordon Wittenmyer

WASHINGTON — Willson Contreras didn’t want to see veteran catcher, friend and mentor Miguel Montero get cut for publicly criticizing teammate Jake Arrieta on Tuesday night.

“It’s tough because we were teammates, we played together and he helped me in a couple areas that were key last year,” Contreras said. “But things happen that you can’t control.”

The Cubs are now left with a raw catching corps that includes a hit-first backup in Victor Caratini — who made his major-league debut Wednesday — and Contreras, who’s in his first full season in the majors.

“It’s going to put more on our plate,” veteran pitcher John Lackey said. “There’s a learning curve coming into the league, I don’t care who you are.”

Manager Joe Maddon dismissed Lackey’s concerns about the suddenly extreme youth of his catchers.

“I’m fine with this, actually,” said Maddon, citing the prep work under catching/strategy coach Mike Borzello and the veteran pitching staff.

“In a moment like this, you’re relying more on the veteran-ship and the know-how of your starting pitchers more than the catchers,” Maddon said.

General manager Jed Hoyer said the Cubs will look for veteran catching depth in the next few weeks.

“Whether that means a veteran that we bring to the big leagues or a veteran that we put at Triple-A, I think we’re always looking to improve our depth at catcher,” he said.

But the club doesn’t consider it a necessarily pressing need. And Hoyer said he has confidence in Caratini.

“I think he’s ready,” he said.

It was clear not everyone in the clubhouse embraced the move.

“At the end of the day, management needs to make decisions, and they made the decision and you say your goodbyes and kind of move on,” veteran pitcher Jon Lester said.

“The unfortunate part of the game is you don’t know when your last game might be. A few people get to pick that day. There’s a lot that don’t. Hopefully he finds a team and continues playing.”

Contreras said he understands that and is willing to take on more responsibility.

“I think we’re going to be good,” he said. “We all start from the bottom. We start growing up day-by-day.

“Sometimes you grow up a little faster than others.”

Notes: Shortstop Addison Russell fared well in his return to the lineup for the first time since leaving in the fourth inning Sunday in Miami because of soreness in his throwing shoulder.

• Top prospect Eloy Jimenez earned a spot in the Futures All-Star Game for the second consecutive year, despite missing the first six weeks of the season because of a shoulder injury suffered in big-league spring training.

• After a long process to secure loans of World Series artifacts from the Cubs, the Hall of Fame announced the opening Saturday of its display of the Cubs’ historic championship.

Among the items: the bat used by Series MVP Ben Zobrist to drive in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning of Game 7 and the mitt used by catcher David Ross.

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Chicago Sun-Times Ankle sprain could keep Cubs’ Kris Bryant out until at least next week By Gordon Wittenmyer

WASHINGTON — Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, the reigning National League MVP, could be sidelined until at least Tuesday because of the ankle sprain he suffered Wednesday night, manager Joe Maddon said Thursday.

The Cubs haven’t ruled out a stint on the 10-day disabled list.

Bryant, who was out of the lineup for the finale of a four-game series against the Nationals, said he felt “a ton better,” and Maddon said he was encouraged after seeing Bryant move around.

But with a day off scheduled Monday, the Cubs appear likely to shut Bryant down at least through the weekend series in Cincinnati.

“I would think that’s what it’s going to be,” Maddon said. “When you sprain your ankle, it doesn’t just get better overnight. By the weekend, we’ll obviously know a lot more.”

Bryant rolled his right ankle when he slipped over third base after catching a drifting foul pop-up in the fifth inning. He left the game with help from two trainers. The ankle was still visibly swollen Thursday.

“It shouldn’t be too long — I don’t think it should be,” said Bryant, who said he felt “very relieved” it wasn’t worse. “I’ve had so many rolled ankles. Last year I did it to the same ankle. I kind of know what to expect with it. It’s definitely not even close to the worst that I’ve ever had.”

Bryant’s replacement at third base Thursday, rookie Jeimer Candelario, delivered his first big-league home run in the seventh inning.

If Bryant ends up on the DL, the move could be made retroactive by three days. Such a move could coincide with the return from the DL of switch hitter Ben Zobrist, who has been sidelined with a sore left wrist the last two weeks.

Zobrist was scheduled to start a minor-league rehab assignment Thursday with Class AA Tennessee. Barring a setback, he could return to the lineup by Tuesday’s opener of a two-game series at home against the Rays.

One byproduct of Bryant’s absence from the lineup: Anthony Rizzo was dropped from the leadoff spot to No. 3.

“Without KB in the lineup, it looked kind of weird doing all that,” Maddon said. “I just tried to put [Rizzo] more in the middle of the action.”

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Chicago Sun-Times There’s lots of blame to go around for 2017 Cubs debacle-in-the-making By Steve Greenberg

Remember the halcyon days of 2012, when the Cubs closed June with a 28-49 record and stared into the abyss of another 85 games with Darwin Barney, David DeJesus, Joe Mather, Chris Volstad and Justin Germano?

OK, I know, that season was awful. Compared with the current one, though, it had a few things going for it. Like innocence. Like hope. Like invisibility.

That was Season 1 of the Theo Epstein era. The challenges of Season 6 are arguably even greater.

Innocence? A veteran rotation that’s a shell of its collective 2016 self is anything but innocent. Manager Joe Maddon, who practically ruined Kyle Schwarber by putting and keeping him at the top of the lineup — and who has been almost too calm amid the storm of a season in disarray — has earned a degree of skepticism. A roster- building savant who took clubhouse chemistry and leadership for granted has to be questioned.

Hope? These Cubs haven’t won consecutive road games since April. They’ve trailed in 61 of their 79 games. They haven’t been more than four games over .500 at any time and have been anywhere from two over to two under for the last five weeks. At what point does what they’ve been become who they are?

Invisibility? Think of what have been the biggest Cubs stories this season. Schwarber’s flameout. Addison Russell’s trouble at home. Miguel Montero’s speak-up-and-shipped-out. Top it with Wednesday’s impossibly awkward White House visit, and baseball’s most disappointing team in 2017 also has been one of its least warm and cuddly.

Or maybe I’m just overreacting to it all. Watching Kris Bryant, the Cubs’ best player, be helped off the field while Kyle Hendricks, Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist already are out with injuries will do that to a guy.

“It’s an important time for us to come together as a team and for us to establish our identity,” Epstein said. “I don’t think we’ve found our edge yet that we’ll need to play with to win games.”

Whose fault is that? Maybe it’s everybody’s. It becomes harder to keep track of what’s going wrong and easier to paint this team with a broad brush.

“Wins don’t just happen because you’re talented and you show up,” Epstein went on. “You have to come to the park with an edge every day and come together as a team every day and play to win, and play with a certain edge that we’re striving for as a group. I think we all feel that way, and we’re going to find it.”

Cubs teams have found “it” before. The 1989 team was only four games over .500, not to mention in third place, through June before rolling to a division title. The 2003 Cubs moved one game above .500 — for the 12th time that season — on the last day of July, yet made it all the way to, well, you don’t need me to tell you how that October went down.

Lou Piniella’s first Cubs team, in 2007, was a disappointing, frustrating 39-40 at June’s end but ended up on top of its division. And we all have fresh memories of the 2015 tale-of-two-halves Cubs, who were in the weeds at 40-35

— 10½ games behind the St. Louis Cardinals — through June and didn’t really put the pedal to the metal until late July.

Let’s not kid ourselves: The 2017 Cubs, defending World Series champions, have more talent than any of those teams. Of course they’re capable of ramping things up and heading into October in fine shape.

Yet, some seasons simply are strange and unfulfilling. The 1999 Cubs weren’t expected to light the world on fire, but they had Sammy Sosa and Mark Grace and a rotation of proven veterans. They were essentially a .500 team into late July — before a spectacular collapse during which they lost 40 of 50 games.

“It doesn’t always happen,” Epstein said. “You can be searching all year.”

The 2017 Cubs could eat the 1999 Cubs for breakfast. We all know that. But their own search continues and — you might have noticed — it isn’t going very well.

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Chicago Sun-Times Hall of Fame to honor Cubs run with new exhibition By Staff

The National Baseball Hall of Fame will honor the 2016 World Series-winning Cubs team with a display that will debut Saturday in Cooperstown, New York.

The Cubs items will be part of the Hall’s permanent “Autumn Glory” exhibit. Among the items on display will be:

• The bat used by World Series Most Valuable Player Ben Zobrist to drive in the go-ahead run in the 10thinning of Game 7

• The home jersey worn by Kyle Schwarber throughout the Fall Classic

• The first-pitch ball from Game 7 at Cleveland’s Progressive Field

• The home jersey worn by Anthony Rizzo during Game 4

• The mitt used by Cubs catcher David Ross throughout the World Series

• The second base bag used in the 10thinning of Game 7 when the Cubs clinched the title

• Also, 2016 World Series tickets, press pins and a program.

The Hall of Fame will host Cubs Weekend, with the 2016 World Series trophy on display Aug. 26-27 at the Museum both days. The trophy will be on exhibit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 26 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 27. Visitors will be able to take pictures with the trophy.

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Chicago Sun-Times Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins blasts Miguel Montero over Cubs flap By Elan Kane

Count Cubs Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins among those who didn’t like Miguel Montero’s recent decision to air his grievances in public.

“A lot of times you discuss that in the dugout or on the bench when the game is over — but not to put it in the press,” Jenkins said Thursday, a day after Montero was designated for assignment for criticizing teammate Jake

Arrieta’s performance after the Cubs allowed seven stolen bases Tuesday night. “It’s really uncalled for. It’s too bad it came out. Guys get angry from time to time. Maybe Montero thought he was embarrassed by not being able to throw people out.”

Jenkins, 74, who’s in town to promote memorabilia and autograph signings, said he felt bad for Montero, adding, “He apologized, but it’s too late.”

Jenkins emphasized the importance of having a tight clubhouse.

“If you’re going to be consistent, you’ve got to be consistent in the locker room and then transfer it to the field,” he said. “If you don’t do that, [then you have] problems.”

Clubhouse drama aside, Jenkins said he knows why the Cubs have been inconsistent: pitching. He knows a thing or two about that — he won 284 games in 19 seasons with a 3.34 ERA and 3,192 strikeouts. Cubs starters have a 4.52 ERA this season, 15th in the majors. Their 2.96 ERA last year ranked first.

Jenkins, who pitched 267 complete games, said pitchers today don’t throw enough.

“The pitch count — I never had,” he said. “It’s just something maybe to protect these young pitchers and their arms, but I never had a sore arm in 21 seasons.”

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Chicago Sun-Times Should the Cubs bring back ‘Grandpa Rossy’? By John Silver

With the Cubs cutting ties with catcher Miguel Montero, might the team bring back fan favorite David Ross?

The 40-year-old “Grandpa Rossy” has kept busy since his retirement after the Cubs won the World Series in November.

The Cubs hired him as special assistant to baseball operations after the season. In January, he inked a deal to become a baseball analyst for ESPN. His book “Teammate” with Don Yaeger came out in May and made the No. 10 spot on the New York Times bestseller list.

Most visibly, he danced his way to a second-place finish with his partner Lindsay Arnold on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

But since his days of the televised foxtrot ended in May, might Ross try to rejuvenate the middling Cubs’ fortunes and entertain the an idea of a comeback.

Ross, seemingly happy in retirement, responded to a tweet by CSN’s Patrick Mooney on speculation on his return.

“Sorry guys I’m out I’ve already bedazzled the jersey,” Ross said in a tweet with a “Dancing with the Stars” photo.

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Daily Herald Cubs have standings, NL Central, calendar in their favor By Bruce Miles

WASHINGTON -- You might be looking at the Chicago Cubs' record and their inconsistent play to date.

The Cubs are looking at the standings. They're looking at the National League Central. They're looking at the calendar.

All three of those things are working in the defending champions' favor as they try to hold their own until the reinforcements come off the disabled list.

In the meantime, they'll gladly take victories such as Thursday's 5-4 thriller over the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.

The Cubs bullpen blew a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the seventh, temporarily spoiling a solid 6-inning start by Jon Lester. Normally reliable Carl Edwards Jr. was charged with all 3 runs.

But in the ninth, the Cubs rallied for 3 against Nats reliever Blake Treinen, as Tommy La Stella got the Cubs closer with an RBI single, and Jon Jay put the Cubs ahead with a 2-run double to the gap in right-center.

Before that, youngster Jeimer Candelario took one for the team, getting hit on the left knee by a pitch. (He stayed in the game and an X-ray was negative.) Candelario had put the Cubs ahead 2-1 with his first major-league homer in the seventh.

The difference between victory and defeat was psychologically uplifting for the Cubs, who not only split the four- game series with the tough Nationals, but headed for Cincinnati with a record of 40-39 instead of 39-40.

"It's good to see the freshmen and the sophomores coming through today," said manager Joe Maddon. "The frosh had a good day. They have to know they can do that. We have to know that we can do that. Guys that have not been here a long time, they need to take, I don't want to say the leadership role, but they've got to get to that next level of, 'I belong here. I can do this. I want to win.' They are the ones who are going to influence those kinds of results."

Jay is a veteran, and La Stella is a young veteran. La Stella came off the bench in the ninth as a pinch hitter and lined a single into left center to drive in the rally's first run.

"I think everybody in this clubhouse has the utmost confidence in one another," La Stella said.

Lester worked 6 innings of 3-hit, 1-run ball. Like most Cubs, he has his eyes on the standings. The Cubs entered the day a game behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers in the Central.

The Cubs are deeper than the Brewers, and they have better pitching. They're trying to stay close until players such as Kyle Hendricks, Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward come off the disabled list. Third baseman Kris Bryant is nursing a sore ankle, and he didn't play Thursday. Kyle Schwarber is at Class AAA Iowa working on his swing, and he could be back to help.

"Yeah, 100 percent," Lester said. "Obviously, the record is not where we should be or where we want to be, but at the same time, we're only a half-game out or 1 game out. I think that's what we have to try to focus on, is we're right in everything. We're a week away from being back in first place. We just got to worry about each individual day. Today was a good day, a lot of good at-bats. We pitched pretty well, and we'll move on to Cincy."

Maddon sounded a familiar theme on this subject.

"Honestly, I know our record is not the best, but our position in the standings is great," he said. "So I'll take that right now over the record. Either way, you want to be in first place. We're handy right now. The floaties are on, and the boys got it done today."

Scouting report

Cubs vs. at Great American Ball Park

TV: WGN Friday and Sunday; Comcast SportsNet Saturday

Radio: WSCR 670-AM

Pitching matchups: The Cubs' Mike Montgomery (1-4) vs. Scott Feldman (6-5) Friday at 6:10 p.m.; Eddie Butler (4- 2) vs. TBD Saturday at 3:10 p.m.; Jake Arrieta (7-6) vs. Tim Adleman (5-4) Sunday at 12:10 p.m.

At a glance: The Cubs are 5-1 against the Reds this year, 2-1 in Cincinnati. After getting off to a good start, the Reds are last in the NL Central. Joey Votto looks like vintage Votto with a line of .303/.418/.592 with 21 homers and 55 RBI entering Thursday. Reds pitchers rank last in the NL in ERA (5.25 entering Thursday). Their batters were first in triples and fourth in homers. The Cubs will be finishing a stretch of 17 of 20 games on the road. They will play seven of their last nine games leading to the all-star break against NL Central opponents.

Next: Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Field, Tuesday-Wednesday

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Daily Herald Bryant says ankle feels much better; no timetable for return By Bruce Miles

WASHINGTON -- Kris Bryant's right ankle was noticeably swollen Thursday morning, but the Cubs third baseman says he is feeling much better.

Bryant suffered what the Cubs termed a mild to moderate sprain of the ankle as he stepped on the third-base bag while fielding a popup Wednesday night. It's not known when he will return to the lineup.

"I've had way worse," he said. "We've all sprained ankles playing basketball or doing something. You feel it, and you go,' Oh, that's not good.' You start hearing some things and, 'I don't want to step on it.'

"It feels a ton better today. When you roll an ankle, you kind of feel a little pop. But that's normal. I've done that plenty of times. I was like, 'Oh, gosh, here we go again.' It's just one of those nagging things. You use your feet in everything you do. It's a little frustrating. I'm glad it feels a ton better today. I'm moving around pretty good. I don't think it will be too long."

Bryant had an X-ray, which was negative, Wednesday night, and he immediately began taking treatment from athletic trainer PJ Mainville.

"He told me, 'What we do is not going to feel too good but it's going to make you feel better by the end of the day and tomorrow and the next day,'" Bryant said. "At first I didn't believe him last night when we were doing some of the things but today I was like, 'Oh, maybe that stuff really does work.'"

As hard and as unforgiving as the bases are, Bryant was asked if he's not surprised more twisted ankles don't happen as players run the bases.

"Maybe soften the bags a little bit, like old school," he said. "Maybe just throw a hat down. If you don't hit it the way you want do, it's tough not to roll an ankle."

Nats' Turner breaks wrist:

Nationals leadoff man Trea Turner suffered a broken right wrist when he was hit by a pitch by Cubs reliever Pedro Strop in the seventh inning. Turner is a sparkplug for the Nats, with 35 stolen bases. There is no timetable for his return.

Hall of Fame honors champs:

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is opening an exhibit commemorating last year's World Series victory by the Cubs.

The exhibit, which opens Saturday, is part of the permanent Autumn Glory exhibit. It features artifacts, photographs and other items. Those items include the bat used by World Series MVP Ben Zobrist to drive in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning of Game 7; the home jersey worn by Kyle Schwarber, who played in only two regular season games before hitting .412 in the World Series; the first-pitch ball from Game 7 at Cleveland's Progressive Field; the mitt used by Cubs catcher David Ross throughout the World Series and the second- base bag used in the 10th inning of Game 7.

The Hall of Fame will host Cubs Weekend Aug. 26-27, with the 2016 World Series trophy on display both days.

The Futures are now:

Cubs prospect Eloy Jimenez will play for the World team in the upcoming Futures Game at Miami as part of All- Game festivities. It will be the second straight Futures Game for Jimenez.

"This kid is quite a talent, great kid, too, and very bright," said Cubs manager Joe Maddon. "It's an easy conversation with him. He's open and he listens well and he adapts well. Besides being this physical specimen with all kinds of tools, he has something going on between his ears which I think will benefit him. I don't know when it will be, but he's going to be here at some point for a long period of time."

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