June 6, 2017

 ESPNChicago.com, The new ? How Jason Heyward became Cubs' clubhouse leader http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/44494/the-new-david-ross-how-jason-heyward-became- cubs-clubhouse-leader

 ESPNChicago.com, Long reliever Mike Montgomery presents Cubs with pitching options http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/44500/long-reliever-mike-montgomery-presents-cubs- with-pitching-options

 CSNChicago.com, Talks Playing With Again, The Next Megadeal And Cubs Building A Super-Team http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/kris-bryant-talks-playing-bryce-harper-again-next-megadeal-and- cubs-building-super-team

 CSNChicago.com, With Trading Season Weeks Away, Cubs Will Give Eddie Butler The Chance To Prove He Belongs http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/trading-season-weeks-away-cubs-will-give-eddie-butler-chance- prove-he-belongs

 CSNChicago.com, Jon Jay: The Cubs' Sixth Man http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/jon-jay-cubs-sixth-man-albert-almora-jr--bench-nba- finals-steph-curry-lebron-james-joe-maddon

 CSNChicago.com, Cubs Move Wade Davis To Paternity List http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/cubs-move-wade-davis-paternity-list

, Eddie Butler, Mike Montgomery team up to lead Cubs past Marlins http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-marlins-spt-0606-20170605- story.html#nt=oft03a-1gp2

 Chicago Tribune, All of us have to stop overreacting to everything about the Cubs http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-ian-happ-kyle-schwarber-cubs-haugh-spt-0606- 20170605-column.html

 Chicago Tribune, doesn't understand fuss about his multiple lineups http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-notes-cubs-multiple--orders-spt-0606- 20170605-story.html#nt=oft03a-1gp3

 Chicago Sun-Times, Mike Montgomery ready for any role on Cubs http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-mike-montgomery-20170605- story.html#nt=oft03a-1gp3

 Chicago Tribune, Versatile Cubs prospect Chesny Young staying true to himself at plate http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-minors-chesny-young-true-to-self-spt-0606- 20170605-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Can 'dudes from Freakonomics' explain home- surge to Joe Maddon? http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-joe-maddon-20170605-story.html

 Chicago Sun-Times, Could Eddie Butler, Mike Montgomery provide depth Cubs seek in trades? http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/could-eddie-butler-mike-montgomery-provide-depth-cubs-seek-in- trades/

 Chicago Sun-Times, How Jason Heyward’s rebound season could include All-Star selection http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/how-jason-heywards-rebound-season-could-include-all-star-selection/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs’ waiting in the wings with starter-quality ability http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-albert-almora-waiting-in-the-wings-with-starter-quality-ability/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs without closer Wade Davis, who goes on paternity list Monday http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-without-closer-wade-davis-who-goes-on-paternity-list-monday/

 Daily Herald, ' Heyward getting all-star votes http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170605/chicago-cubs-heyward-getting-all-star-votes

 Daily Herald, Maddon shuns 'set lineup' in Cubs win http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170605/maddon-shuns-set-lineup-in-cubs-win

 Cubs.com, Bryant, Almora homer as Cubs cool Marlins http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/234594024/bryant-almora-homer-to-lead-cubs-past-marlins/

 Cubs.com, Almora thumps hometown club in rare start http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/234625830/albert-almora-jr-lifts-homer-against-marlins/

 Cubs.com, Bryant in line for ASG start; Rizzo falls to 2nd http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/234548704/cubs-kris-bryant-in-line-for-all-star-start/

 Cubs.com, Happ enjoys having Minors coach around http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/234569726/ian-happ-enjoys-2-hr-game-with-coach-haines/

 Cubs.com, Arrieta to square off with Marlins' Locke http://atmlb.com/2qXX11w

 Cubs.com, Schwarber, Happ show Cubs' dynamic depth http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/234509044/cubs-surge-behind-ian-happ-kyle-schwarber/

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ESPNChicago.com The new David Ross? How Jason Heyward became Cubs' clubhouse leader By Jesse Rogers

CHICAGO -- There might not be a bigger leadership moment than an inspiring speech delivered in the heat of a Game 7, but Jason Heyward has followed his legendary words of the past postseason with an important task this season: filling the void left by the retirement of David Ross and the loss of to free agency.

It is often asked who has been the team’s spokesman when things haven’t gone well for the champs. It’s Heyward.

When the Chicago Cubs’ struggles hit a boiling point with six consecutive losses on the West Coast last week, Heyward was one of the players at the center of a team meeting about turning things around.

“He’s always been consistent with that,” Cubs Jon Jay said over the weekend. “It’s a testament to when he came up with the Braves and , as well as . He learned how to be a stand-up guy. He’s accountable. He shows that every day.”

Jay lockers next to Heyward at Wrigley Field after playing with him in St. Louis, and he remains in "awe" of Heyward’s steady attitude. Waves of reporters approach him before and after games, whether he’s struggling or playing well. He answers all of their questions.

Then he’s there for his teammates. When the subject turns to Heyward, young Cubs can't wait to talk about one of their favorites.

“He’s unbelievable,” said. “Really, really helpful with advice. Always willing to help the younger guys and be a positive influence. ... His attitude never varies. He’s always encouraging. I can’t say enough about him.”

Happ especially has relied on Heyward in the outfield, where the rookie is learning to play center field in the major leagues. What Heyward has made look easy isn’t always so for Happ, but the three-time Gold Glove winner is doing everything he can to help a rookie adjust to a new spot.

“He’s locked in at all times: batters, wind changes, everything,” Happ said. “He’s always talking to me out there. He’s got my back.”

Heyward might not call people out or act as boisterous as Ross did, but he has an “aura” about him, as Happ put it. Players gravitate to him.

Manager Joe Maddon spoke recently of guys having to “ascend” to leadership roles left open by the absences of Ross and Fowler. With several young players struggling, it has been on Heyward to carry the load.

“He’s hitting better now,” Maddon said. “That probably gives him a little more inner confidence to go out there and say something or be that leader kind of a guy.”

He might be a little more vocal now, but from the front office down to the players, they say Heyward was the same guy last season, when he struggled after signing the richest contract in franchise history.

“He never changed,” said. “He was hard on himself, but you could never tell.”

If anyone learned how to conduct himself by watching Heyward, it’s Schwarber.

After he was handed the leadoff job coming off a legendary World Series performance, scrutiny found Schwarber this season the same way it did Heyward during his first year in Chicago. Even though his leadoff role didn’t work out, Schwarber wasn’t going to lose his mind about the pressure -- not after watching what Heyward went through.

“He is a leader,” Schwarber said. “I saw him last year even though I wasn’t playing. He was the same person.”

That first year with the team, at least at the plate, could have broken Heyward. Then came the , in which he was benched at various times, before his World Series speech became part of Cubs’ lore. Jay was home watching it all unfold.

“I was super happy,” he said. “That was the coolest moment for me. When I saw the reaction from Kris Bryant and , that really hit me big. When they told that rain delay story, that’s bigger than any performance.”

The Cubs think so as well. No matter his production at the plate this season, they had last year’s rain delay speech to thank him for. But after an offseason of work on his swing, he has become one of the Cubs’ most consistent and reliable hitters. His numbers in the batter’s box aren’t eye-popping, but his manager appreciates knowing what a Heyward at-bat will look like this year -- and it’s a lot better than last season.

“I watch,” Maddon said. “Watch him on the field. All the little things he does. He’s always there to support everybody. Always. And he’s hitting.

“We’re seeing the best of him right now.”

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ESPNChicago.com Long reliever Mike Montgomery presents Cubs with pitching options By Bradford Doolittle

CHICAGO -- What the Cubs’ Mike Montgomery has done twice this season used to be so commonplace that its occurrence would have barely merited a mention in a game story. But by 2017 standards, Montgomery’s feat -- earning a 10-out -- is kind of headline news.

Montgomery piggy-backed Monday’s starter, Eddie Butler, coming on with two outs in the sixth to face the Marlins' . The Cubs led 3-1, but with standing on second base, Yelich represented the tying run. Montgomery got him on a grounder, then kept on getting Marlins out until that 3-1 score became the final tally.

“That was the whole plan,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Montgomery’s outing. “We had a limited bullpen, and this is a good lineup for him.”

The win, the Cubs’ fourth straight after six straight losses on the road, moved Chicago back into first place in the NL Central, percentage points ahead of Milwaukee. And now that this superlong-save thing has happened twice, it suggests that Maddon keeps finding new ways to use the big lefty they call "Monty," who will forever remain in the warm graces of Cubs fans because it was he who was on the mound when the Cubs clinched Game 7 in the .

Monday’s performance was a whole different kind of clutch from last November, but Montgomery’s 10-out save was a lifesaver for a tired Cubs bullpen after a weekend sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals. Chicago also was short a high-leverage arm because closer Wade Davis was with his wife at an area hospital for the birth of their son (baby and mother are doing well, by the way, according to a text Davis sent Montgomery after the game). The crazy thing about that long, long save was that it wasn’t even Montgomery’s longest of the season. He got the final 12 outs in a 5-1 win over the Giants on May 25.

“I like the piggyback, but the lineups [against the Giants and Marlins] were perfect,” Maddon said. “The thing about Mike, if you look at his overall breakdown numbers, he’s actually really good against righties. I’ve talked about it before, the biggest problem is the walks. He didn’t walk anybody. That’s the difference in that game, why it was so clean.”

Again, this used to be par for the course in baseball. You’d use a starter until he was gassed and in trouble, then you’d bring in your fireman to finish things off. That switch might happen in the eighth or ninth , or it might happen in the sixth. According to baseball-reference.com, Gene Garber had 20 saves of at least 10 outs over his career, one more than . Bob Stanley, , Sparky Lyle and Hoyt Wilhelm all had 15 or more. Those guys were firemen.

Lots of things have changed in baseball over the years, but perhaps none more than the hyper-specialization of the relief . And that’s what makes the fact that Montgomery already has two saves of at least 10 outs so notable. You see, no one has had two such games in a season since Alfredo Aceves in 2011. No one has had more than two since Derek Lowe in 1999. In fact, Montgomery became just the ninth pitcher to notch at least two 10- out saves since 2000.

“You don’t see too many of those,” Montgomery said. “It worked, so we went back to it this time and it worked out again. I knew I was going to be going multiple . I didn’t know I was going to finish the game.”

Montgomery entered the day with 13 relief appearances in which he’s gotten at least four outs, one shy of the big league lead held jointly by the Angels’ Yusmeiro Petit and the Dodgers’ Ross Stripling. With 14 of those now under his belt, Montgomery’s ERA in those long outings dropped to 1.35.

“That’s one of the things I let them know from last year and in this year,” Montgomery said. “I want to do any role that they want me to do. I’m going to physically prepare and mentally prepare for that. I just try to keep it going. Whatever I can do to help the team.”

Montgomery might be happy to fill any role for the Cubs, but he’s filling a role that had gone all but extinct. And with these recent outings of epic relief length, you have to wonder what it means in the Cubs’ search to fill the back end of their rotation. Montgomery has long thought to be one of the better in-house options to not just take the fifth spot if needed, but also to step in as a sixth starter later in the season.

Maddon alluded to those exact thoughts before Monday’s game. However, if Montgomery can string together more of these kinds of throwback saves, he might be too valuable in that role to use as a starter, even if the length of those outings means his pitch count is being stretched out to starter-like levels.

“I knew I was going to be getting in there today, and Eddie did a great job,” Montgomery said. “He shut them down for five and two-thirds. And I was ready from the get-go today.”

Butler’s outing was three things. It was his best since his Cubs debut in St. Louis on May 12. It was encouraging. And it was unconvincing.

Not until Butler strings together, at the very least, consecutive productive outings can Maddon start to look at him as a reliable option. Look at Butler’s pattern by Game Score, for which 50 is average: 70, 43, 54, 27, 62.

It’s been an every-other-game proposition for him, not too surprising for a guy with big stuff but command that comes and goes.

That’s exactly why having someone like Montgomery waiting in the left-field bullpen is such a valuable thing for the Cubs’ staff. Is he too valuable to mess with as the club cycles through rotation options?

That’s tough to say, but at the very least, Montgomery gives Maddon those options in the first place, which is a nice problem to have.

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CSNChicago.com Kris Bryant Talks Playing With Bryce Harper Again, The Next Megadeal And Cubs Building A Super-Team By Patrick Mooney

This isn’t the NBA, where a few superstars can decide which teams will rise and which franchises will fall, instantly shifting a multibillion-dollar industry’s balance of power. But, yes, Kris Bryant and Bryce Harper have at least floated the idea of joining forces after the 2018 season.

Unless the Cubs and Washington Nationals collide during the next two Octobers, that would be a fascinating next chapter in a rivalry that began while they were growing up in Las Vegas, playing with and against each other. Combined, the last two MVPs have gotten 59 out of 60 first-place votes, setting super-agent Scott Boras up to negotiate record-shattering megadeals.

“I think we might have talked about it, just like messing around,” Bryant said Monday inside Wrigley Field’s state- of-the-art clubhouse. “Like it would be cool to play with you again.”

Bryant doesn’t do distractions or create unnecessary drama or worry about the defending World Series champs. An unflappable face of the franchise went out and blasted Dan Straily’s 90-mph halfway up the left-field bleachers for his 13th homer, a two-run, first-inning shot that set the tone in a 3-1 victory over the that pushed the Cubs into a first-place tie with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Bryant had heard something about Hall of Fame writer appearing on WSCR-AM 670 last week to promote his Hot Stove Cool Music event with Cubs president Theo Epstein and mentioning: “I have people tell me that Bryce Harper really would prefer to play for the Cubs.” Within the same response, Gammons also quickly cautioned: “I don’t think it’s ever going to happen.”

Especially when the Cubs might need to add three legitimate starting this winter and will have to account for huge arbitration paydays for their young hitters. For Bryant – a player the Cubs drafted with the expectation that he would hit free agency after six-plus/almost seven seasons in The Show – the speculation illustrated a larger point about the organization.

“Honestly – obviously I’ve never been an outsider looking in here – but who wouldn’t want to play here?” Bryant said. “Especially now, with everything going on around here, the renovations, winning, it just seems attractive to any player. A lot of the guys that have come over from other teams are like: ‘This is unlike any other team I’ve played for.’”

That doesn’t necessarily mean Bryant – a player with a sharp business sense and an extensive off-the-field portfolio – is interested in signing a long-term extension now. Bryant confirmed Jon Heyman’s recent report on FanRag Sports that summed up the attitude inside the reigning MVP’s camp with two words: “We’re good.”

“Just take it as it comes,” Bryant said. “Nothing’s happened.”

Boras also didn’t automatically agree that Bryant’s big contract would have to wait until after Harper sets a baseline and potentially becomes baseball’s first $400 million player.

“I don’t put time clocks on this,” Boras said, pointing to ’s seven-year, $175 million commitment to the Nationals, a megadeal done roughly six months before he could have become the top pitcher on last winter’s free-agent market. “I did something with Strasburg. Everybody said: ‘Well, you have to wait for this time.’ I don’t look at it that way.

“I certainly study and understand markets. I understand revenues. I understand team needs and that kind of thing. So the time when it happens, for me, is not as relevant as whether or not the criteria for a proper evaluation is met. That’s all. That’s what you have to do.”

So Bryant will become a free agent after the 2021 season then?

“That would depend on their evaluation, wouldn’t it?” Boras said with a laugh.

The 2018 winter meetings will take place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, where , , , and Dallas Keuchel are just a few headliners who could also be part of that star- studded class of free agents.

“Wow,” Bryant said. “It just adds to the whole thing. What a set-up.

“Gosh, I mean, I’m certainly going to enjoy that offseason where I’m just watching the free-for-all. Bryce seems to be the guy that is probably going to set that bar, seeing what age he’s at (24 now) and what he’s done so far. Good news for players.”

Harper becoming a partner in Bryzzo Souvenir Co. would be must-see TV, creating a different kind of fire-and-ice dynamic in Wrigleyville. But this isn’t about “want to” as much as economics and how the Cubs will prioritize needs and allocate resources for what could be a super-team.

“Like I said before, we talked about it,” Bryant said. “It would be really cool to play with him, but that’s something that they’re going to have to talk about it. Baseball’s a crazy business. You could want to play somewhere, but they might not want you, or they might not need you.”

Bryant laughed and referenced the Golden State Warriors: “(It’s not) like Kevin Durant: ‘I want to play there.’ But I would say if that were able to happen and work out like that, gosh, it would be exciting.”

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CSNChicago.com With Trading Season Weeks Away, Cubs Will Give Eddie Butler The Chance To Prove He Belongs By Patrick Mooney

Joe Maddon gave Eddie Butler the vote of confidence, probably because he believes in the raw ability, the front office’s change-of-scenery projections and, well, the Cubs don’t really have any other good options right now.

That blockbuster deal for a pitcher – if it even comes together at all this summer – isn’t happening a week before the amateur draft, with 56 days left until the July 31 trade deadline.

Even before Butler shut down the Miami Marlins during Monday night’s 3-1 win at Wrigley Field, the Cubs manager confirmed he will be on a “long leash” (reporter’s words) as the defending World Series champs try to gain traction and separate from the rest of the .

“Yeah,” Maddon said. “Overall, he’s had one outstanding outing, one not-so-good one, (the rest) kind of medium range, so I’m just looking for him to stay aggressive. Be very simple in your game plan. Don’t try to do too much. Don’t try to overthink it. Let your stuff work.”

That’s exactly what Butler did, breaking Giancarlo Stanton’s bat in the first inning and retiring 11 straight hitters from the second through the end of the fifth. Butler allowed one run before lefty Mike Montgomery got the final 10 outs and notched his second save as the Cubs (29-27) extended their winning streak to four games and moved into a first-place tie with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Since throwing six scoreless innings and beating the St. Louis Cardinals in his Cub debut, Butler (3-1, 3.75 ERA) had allowed nine runs, 14 hits and 10 walks in his previous three starts, a span of 12.1 innings that intensified questions about the back of the rotation.

“That first game in St. Louis, I think, is what he’s supposed to look like,” Maddon said. “You saw a lot of 94-95 (mph) and let’s go, let’s go. He just went right after the hitter and I’d like to see him really get back to that moment. He’s a got a good , too. I like his hook. He’s still feeling his way through this whole thing.

“But the stuff definitely plays. He’s definitely got enough stuff to do all this. It’s just a matter of (what) I’ve talked about (before), the stage guys. Stage 3: I belong here. I can do this.

“Once he arrives at that and lets his stuff eat a little bit, he can absolutely do this.”

Brett Anderson threw a simulated game on Monday in Arizona, but between his 8.18 ERA this season and long history of back injuries, there’s nothing to suggest that he will be a quick fix or a sturdy piece to the rotation.

If the Cubs are thinking about using Montgomery as a sixth starter during this 30-games-in-31-days stretch between June 2 and July 2, Maddon said: “We haven’t had that conversation yet.”

So this will be about Butler hitting that stage of trust and belonging that he could never reach at Coors Field as an up-and-down prospect with the .

“Today was that,” Butler said, “being efficient, attacking the zone, keeping a good pace that keeps everybody ready to play. The guys were talking about it after the game: ‘Hey, that was a great pace of play today.’ It’s on everybody’s mind. If you can get them back into the , it gets them ready to score runs for you, too.”

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CSNChicago.com Jon Jay: The Cubs' Sixth Man By Tony Andracki

If the Cubs ever needed to make the transition into basketball, they already have two positions set.

Joe Maddon has already compared Javy Baez to a good point guard and Sunday night, he likened Jon Jay to a good sixth man coming off the bench.

Maddon has spoken highly of Jay all year, joking about how he'd like to adopt the veteran outfielder as a sidekick.

Jay came through again in the clutch Sunday night, collecting the game-winning hit in the seventh inning to help the Cubs sweep the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

Jon Jay is such a valuable baseball player," Maddon said. "It's kinda like John Havlicek — the sixth man in basketball becomes famous. He's the sixth man here.

"You can pop him in there and it's like instant offense. You know something good possibly can happen. You know he's ready."

Maddon was asked prior to Sunday's game how he can work Jay and Albert Almora Jr. into the starting lineup more often now that Ian Happ has come up to the big leagues and emerged as the everyday centerfielder.

When revisiting the topic after the game, Maddon joked it's Jay's own fault he's on the bench because he's so valuable late in games.

Jay's knock Sunday now gives him the lead in pinch hits and improve his average off the bench to .450 (9-for-20).

"Something I've learned — if you look at winning teams, they have a lot of depth," Jay said. "And that's what helps you get through the year. You never know when your name's gonna get called, whether it's starting, pinch-hitting, defense, stuff like that.

"That's what Albert and I have been doing — just trying to stay ready. We talk and are positive. You never know, you could come in like he did [Sunday], have a great at-bat and kind of jumpstart the team. That was a big momentum change in the game.

"Just being ready. Teams that win have a lot of depth and that's what the big picture is — to win."

As Jay said, Almora provided a spark off the bench for the Cubs, too.

Pinch-hitting for in the fourth inning, Almora roped a two-out hit down the right-field line, driving in . Cardinals let the ball get by him, allowing to score and Almora to motor around to third base.

Almora later scored on Ian Happ's go-ahead, three-run homer.

Almora is tied for third in all of baseball with six pinch-hits and pushed his average off the bench to .429 (6-for-14). What's even more impressive is he's doing this all in his first full big-league season.

"It's huge," Jason Heyward said. "I feel like you're only as good as your bench. If your bench is good and they can come off and produce and give people breathers and just be ready for any point in the game to come in and help, then it goes a real long way.

"It's awesome to see [Almora] go up there and find some comfort in that role. We're asked to do a lot of different things and I feel like that's another part of us growing as a team is realizing somebody's gonna be playing somewhere different every day and most likely in certain spots we didn't expect coming in.

"But we gotta find a way to get it done. Huge for him right there."

Jay has taken Almora under his wing this season and the two have stayed ready on the bench as they await the next opportunity.

"I feel like we have a good thing goin' on," Almora said. "I feel like we're never caught off guard. ... We each have our own routine, we're kinda always talking to each other, seeing what's going on, if you wanna go get some swings in. We're always helping each other out."

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CSNChicago.com Cubs Move Wade Davis To Paternity List By Patrick Mooney

The Cubs placed All-Star closer Wade Davis on the paternity list and added right-hander Dylan Floro to their bullpen before Monday night’s game against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field.

Davis has done his job with robotic precision, almost killing the ninth-inning drama when the Cubs have a late lead, converting his first 12 save chances while putting up a 0.89 ERA and a 0.738 WHIP in 21 appearances.

A player can remain on the paternity list for three days — Davis’ wife was expected to give birth to their second child in a Chicago-area hospital — while the Cubs lean on the deep bullpen they’ve assembled with October in mind.

Like Davis, Koji Uehara has already notched the final out in a World Series. Carl Edwards Jr. is pitching like an All- Star setup guy with a 0.83 ERA and 29 in 21.2 innings. and Hector Rondon have 13 holds combined.

As a group, Cubs relievers are second in the National League in ERA (3.16), covering for a rotation that has only 22 quality starts through 55 games. This will be Floro’s third stint with the big-league team after going 2-1 with a 4.01 ERA in 14 appearances for -A Iowa.

The young, gifted, inconsistent hitter the Cubs sent to the to acquire Davis at the winter meetings — — got optioned to their Triple-A affiliate over the weekend.

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Chicago Tribune Eddie Butler, Mike Montgomery team up to lead Cubs past Marlins By Mark Gonzales

The Cubs may opt for a sixth starter during a daunting stretch later this month, but their immediate focus is on solidifying the fifth spot in their rotation.

The next two weeks should give Eddie Butler ample chances to solidify that spot, especially if he pitches as well as he did Monday night.

Butler limited the Marlins to one hit over the first five innings before settling for a 3-1 victory that extended the Cubs' winning streak to four games to equal their longest of the season.

Butler allowed one or fewer runs for the third time in his five starts, but he did so this time with efficiency on a cold, windy night at Wrigley Field.

After allowing a to and walk to J.T. Realmuto in the second, Butler retired the next 11 batters and needed only 61 pitches to get through the first five innings.

Butler said he was praised by his teammates for his brisk pace.

Butler was pulled after two of his first five pitches of the sixth went for doubles, but Mike Montgomery quelled the threat by inducing Christian Yelich to ground out to second to help the Cubs maintain their two-run lead.

In the eighth, Montgomery struck out formidable Giancarlo Stanton with a runner at second to end a threat.

The Cubs were without closer Wade Davis, who was placed on the paternity list after his wife, Katelyn, went into labor hours before the game. Montgomery earned his second save with 3 1/3 scoreless innings and 51 pitches.

"That was the whole plan," manager Joe Maddon said. "We had a limited bullpen."

The Butler-Montgomery tandem teamed for a 5-1 win over the Giants on May 25, and Maddon expressed a preference to lengthen Montgomery's outings soon.

"I like the piggyback, but the lineup was perfect," Maddon said.

The Cubs have only one scheduled day off during a 4 1/2-week stretch and are scheduled to play 17 consecutive games — including 14 on the road — without a day off from June 16 to July 3.

Left-hander Brett Anderson, who once held the fifth spot in the rotation, was scheduled to pitch a three-inning simulated game Monday at the Cubs' minor-league complex, but a return date hasn't been announced.

"It's coming up to the point where there's that nice long run going, but we haven't necessarily picked a date yet," Maddon said before the game of the possibility of using a sixth starter soon.

Despite a 17-mph wind blowing from the north, the Cubs mustered enough muscle as Kris Bryant hit a two-run in the first, and Albert Almora Jr. hit a solo shot in the fourth off former Cubs pitcher Dan Straily.

"It's almost like the NBA — three-pointers and dunks," Maddon said.

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Chicago Tribune All of us have to stop overreacting to everything about the Cubs By David Haugh

If our baseball city has learned anything from the premature canonization of Kyle Schwarber — as evidence mounts to the contrary — the Next Big Thing in a Cubs uniform will operate free of unfair exaggeration.

Which, yes, is like asking for a Chicago winter without snow.

Rookie Ian Happ deserves the right to develop without the weight of unrealistic expectations that not even Schwarber's sturdy shoulders could bear. Yet after Happ hit two home runs Sunday night in a nationally televised June game against the Cardinals, comparisons to the famous Ryne Sandberg Game in 1984 started before they stopped selling beer in the bleachers.

Those who insist everyone in town knows better forget how Schwarber's burgeoning celebrity contributed, at least in part, to the Cubs' reluctance to remove the man once compared to Babe Ruth from the leadoff spot despite Schwarber not hitting his weight. They ignore how somebody without Schwarber's larger-than-life status probably would have been sent to the minors by now.

Happ gives Cubs manager Joe Maddon another versatile weapon with some offensive pop and defensive limitations capable of playing several positions, all of them well enough to become a regular in the mode of a young . Period. One day, Happ might become something more or resemble someone else but, in the context of the 2017 Cubs, he fits as a role player whose emergence came at a good time for a struggling team. That doesn't make Happ a savior as much as a solution, more pawn than king. That doesn't make him the second coming of Sandberg as much as another Cubs first-round draft pick whose development is ahead of schedule.

All of us have to stop overreacting to everything about the Cubs, a wish as unlikely to be met as any projection of Happ or Schwarber. A city that talks often about a World Series hangover occasionally still seems drunk from the victory party when it comes to the Cubs. This season could use a dose of perspective as badly as Maddon needs another .

That means to stop looking at every Schwarber home run as an I-Told-You-So and every as a See-What-I- Mean. To remember that Happ has been a major-leaguer for three weeks, in which he has received a curtain call and seen his batting average dip to as low as .214. To let start a game without calculating how his velocity dip will affect his market value and not interpret every Cubs winning or losing streak as an indicator of October.

That means to slow down in this post-Memorial Day phase of the season and let the Cubs settle into a period of opportunity. Monday's series opener against the Marlins opened a stretch of 16 of 20 games against teams with records below .500. That includes the Padres, who just swept the Cubs in San Diego. But the team that returned to Wrigley Field for a weekend sweep of the Cardinals appeared to be one that had been awakened.

Credit a players-only meeting in California if you want. Heap praise on Happ. Even revel in the weekend presence of David Ross, who really won't leave, will he? Or just realize that this period of early ups and downs for the Cubs represents the rule in baseball.

If it helps, remove any preconceived notions about the 2017 Cubs. Try applying a fresh set of eyes to a different team full of talented young players prone to inconsistency with a starting rotation lacking depth like so many in the majors. If that sounds difficult, consider Maddon also struggled taking that approach. Maddon's stubbornness on Schwarber, for example, came from applying 2016 expectations to 2017 reality. It began to look like the state of Illinois would get a budget before Maddon changed his mind on Schwarber but, eventually, the manager acquiesced.

Assuming nothing about the Cubs moving forward not only will give Maddon an opportunity to tinker with his roster but a mandate, a daily challenge to find the right mix. The only certainties on his lineup card should be Kris Bryant at third base and Anthony Rizzo at first base. Beyond Bryzzo, the rest of the players are interchangeable parts, depending on matchups and hot streaks.

Let Addison Russell and Javy Baez share shortstop. Move around Zobrist and Happ as necessary. Spell with veteran Miguel Montero, more to preserve Contreras in his first full season as a starter. Find more time for dependable defender Albert Almora, the forgotten one in the outfield, and keep Jon Jay, the ideal offseason acquisition, sharp. Platoon Schwarber until he starts resembling a hitter again good enough for magazine covers. As long as closer Wade Davis quietly keeps saving games, keeping calm makes sense.

President Theo Epstein will find another starter before July 31 and, by then, the Cubs likely will have discovered their rhythm in a division they easily should win. Once the Cubs make the playoffs, regardless of their regular- season record, no team will relish facing them. That much hasn't changed.

And that's no exaggeration.

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Chicago Tribune Joe Maddon doesn't understand fuss about his multiple lineups By Mark Gonzales

Cubs manager Joe Maddon employed his 52nd batting order Monday night in the season's 56th game, and he wasn't about to fret about fans who seek a more stable alignment.

"Those people worried about a set lineup, please, it's not necessary," an amused Maddon replied after explaining the reasons why he uses different lineups on a frequent basis.

"There are certain teams that may go by that standard," Maddon said of set lineups. "If you just move one or two guys, all of a sudden it's not a set lineup, and primarily the core of that group is intact. It's been intact that whole season, but we have to get other people involved."

For instance, Maddon had planned to start Albert Almora Jr. ahead of Ian Happ on Monday night well before Happ hit two home runs Sunday night against the Cardinals, because Almora presented a more favorable matchup against Marlins starter Dan Straily.

"It's an amusing thing where people are concerned about a set lineup," Maddon said. "I actually think it's better to do it this way. It keeps people fresher for the entire season.

"When you get them on the right guys, they have a better chance to be successful."

Maddon employed 149 lineups in 2016 and 150 in 2015, according to baseball-reference.com.

Ballot bulletin: Jason Heyward was extremely grateful to be included among the top three National League in the latest voting for the July 11 All-Star Game in Miami.

"The fans' voting is awesome," said Heyward, who leads teammate Ben Zobrist by 25,965 votes for the third and final spot among the outfielders in Monday's updated totals.

Heyward encouraged fans to make sure that teammate Kyle Schwarber, who is sixth among NL outfielders, got support so that at least one Cubs outfielder would get a starting spot.

Kris Bryant leads all NL third baseman, but Anthony Rizzo now trails the Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman among first basemen.

If Rizzo were to be placed on the final vote ballot, he could be a prohibitive favorite because of his popularity and the fact that he grew up 45 minutes north of Marlins Park, site of the All-Star Game.

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Chicago Sun-Times Mike Montgomery ready for any role on Cubs By Mark Gonzales

Manager Joe Maddon said he felt comfortable Monday night because the Cubs turned on their dugout heater.

But Mike Montgomery capped a soothing night by pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings of relief to secure a 3-1 victory over the Miami Marlins.

Montgomery’s performance helped the Cubs in several ways. First, Montgomery helped the Cubs overcome the unavailability of closer Wade Davis, who was placed on the paternity list a few hours before the game after his wife Katelyn went into labor.

Maddon believed Montgomery’s curve and matched up well against the Marlins’ blend of right and left-handed hitters.

“The biggest problem had been the walks,” Maddon said. “But he didn’t walk anyone.”

Montgomery said he felt a little rusty while warming up as he hadn’t pitched since May 28 against the . But he pitched aggressively and struck out Giancarlo Stanton (who was representing the tying run) to end the eighth and pitched a perfect ninth for his second save of more than three innings.

With the Cubs facing a stretch of games in which they will have only one day off until July 3, Montgomery could be pressed into a spot start.

“I let them know in spring training I wanted to do any role they wanted me to do,” Montgomery said.

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Chicago Tribune Versatile Cubs prospect Chesny Young staying true to himself at plate By Mark Gonzales

Chesny Young easily bought into the Cubs' preference for moving players to different positions.

"Versatility means everything right now," said Young, who played shortstop in high school, third base at Mercer University and second base and left field last weekend for Triple-A Iowa.

Young, 24, was one of several youngsters who impressed manager Joe Maddon in spring training.

The next step for Young is to improve his on-base percentage, especially since he's listed at 6 feet and only 170 pounds.

"Guys are slugging, I got to have on base," Young said in spring training. "I take pride in it. It's a big part of my game. I work on it."

Young is only 5-for-23 since returning from a hip flexor injury, but he's still batting a respectable .287 thanks to a 12-for-24 surge shortly before he was placed on the 7-day disabled list.

Young knows what's best for him despite the latest trend in launch angles and power.

"You got to stay true to who you are at some point," said Young, who has nine doubles and no home runs. "At some point, you need to stay true, and there's another point you got to make yourself a better player.

"There's a fine line between being true to yourself and trying to be the best player you can be."

Duane Underwood Jr., RHP, Double-A Tennessee

The second-round pick in the 2012 draft had another frustrating outing, as he was tagged for nine runs on 12 hits in 3 2/3 innings Saturday at Montgomery.

Justin Steele, LHP, Class-A Myrtle Beach

Steele, a fifth-round pick in 2014, has allowed six earned runs in his past five starts.

Vimael Machin, INF, Class-A South Bend

The left-handed hitting Machin is 11-for-26 in his last six games with two home runs, including a solo shot Sunday at Lake County. Machin, a 10th-round pick out of VCU in 2015, is batting .301 with 26 RBIs in 38 games.

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Chicago Tribune Can 'dudes from Freakonomics' explain home-run surge to Joe Maddon? By Mark Gonzales

The recent explosion of home runs was put to the test Monday night at Wrigley Field as 17-mph gusts were blowing from the north.

But Albert Almora Jr., who had seen his playing time diminish with the arrival of Ian Happ, wasn’t about to be intimidated.

Almora defied the odds by smacking his first home run since April 28 – a solo shot in the fourth – that loomed large in the Cubs’ 3-1 victory over the Miami Marlins.

Almora’s homer, along with Kris Bryant’s two-run shot in the first, kept the Cubs on pace to hit 211 home runs. That’s short of their franchise mark of 235 set in 2004 but an impressive feat in the post-steroid era.

Manager Joe Maddon, who was baffled by his team’s 3-for-40 performance with runners in scoring position during an 0-6 trip last week, has taken note of the overall emphasis on power that he compared to the NBA’s style of three-point shots and dunks.

“There’s no bank shot, 15-foot banker, the pull-up jumper,” Maddon said. “I just don’t know. I don’t have a solid reason. The opposite-field base hit isn’t as prominent as it had been. The stringing singles together, the bunt hit, it’s just not part of the landscape right now.”

Maddon said the topic has been discussed in spring training and even last year, adding he doesn’t want to lean too heavily on home runs but acknowledged the trendy discussions on launch angles and hitting the ball in the air persist.

“That’s going to speak to more home runs, and flyballs will be caught if they don’t go out of the ballpark,” Maddon said.

“Maybe if you broke it down, if you get the dudes from Freakonomics to look at it, they might be able to break it down properly.”

Almora, who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, admitted the large left field scoreboard played a role in preventing the wind from knocking down his home run.

But just the chance to play and contribute satisfied him.

“I’m a competitor and want to play,” Almora said. “But it’s not about me. It’s about the Cubs. I’m happy to be here and help anyway I can.”

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Chicago Sun-Times Could Eddie Butler, Mike Montgomery provide depth Cubs seek in trades? By Gordon Wittenmyer

If the Cubs think they need more starting pitching for the second half, Eddie Butler and Mike Montgomery did their best Monday night to show they already have it.

Team president Theo Epstein and general manager have been clear about their continued efforts to trade for rotation help — for their playoff run this year and to backfill free agent losses beyond that.

On this night, Butler made it clear what he thinks the back end of the Cubs’ rotation should look like when the trade deadline passes in seven weeks. He turned in his best performance since his Cubs debut May 12 to beat the Miami Marlins 3-1 in the opener of a three-game series at Wrigley Field.

Montgomery? The left-hander took over for Butler and finished the game with 3 ⅓ scoreless innings for the save.

“It’s no secret that they’re looking for a solid No. 5, and that’s what I’m trying to do every time I go out there,” said Butler (3-1), who took a one-hit shutout into the sixth before allowing his only run of the game and leaving with two out and Giancarlo Stanton at second base. He walked just one — his fewest in five starts for the Cubs.

“It’s just a matter of being consistent right now,” he said. “It’s kind of been back and forth — have a good game, have a bad game. I really need to eliminate that. That’s what’s going to be able to make me stay here and prove to them that the deal they made for me was a great deal.”

Butler, who was acquired in February in a trade with the Colorado Rockies, retired 11 straight from the second through the fifth innings.

Montgomery, the next man up for the rotation if Butler falters before outside help can be added, didn’t walk a man and retired the final five he faced in his first appearance in eight days.

“A week’s a long time to go without pitching, but I was able to kind of get it together, and I felt fresh. I felt good,” said Montgomery, who was acquired from Seattle in a trade last July. “I just wanted to go out there and attack.”

His 51-pitch outing puts him back in range for a potential spot start as a sixth man or as Butler’s backup if the Cubs decide to swap out starters.

“One of the things I let them know from last year and spring training this year is that I want to do any role that they want me to do,” Montgomery said, “and I’m going to be ready to physically prepare and mentally prepare for that.”

On the same day Butler and Montgomery made Kris Bryant’s two-run homer in the first stand up for a fourth consecutive Cubs win, left-hander Brett Anderson was to pitch a three-inning simulated game in his continuing rehab efforts in Arizona. He has been on the disabled list with a back strain for the last month.

One year after the Cubs’ rotation steamrolled everything in its path (with a major-league-leading 2.96 ERA), it has been an up-and-down proposition this season, even after they returned the top four starters. The one the Cubs didn’t bring back — — was 7-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 11 starts at this point a year ago.

Since essentially replacing him, Anderson and Butler are a combined 5-3, 5.87 in their 11 starts.

“They’re still going to look for guys,” said Butler, whose 66-pitch start was his best since a six-inning scoreless start in St. Louis in his Cub debut. “You never know what pieces are going to become available and what teams are going to be selling and buying at the deadline. Whatever it takes for us to get to our final goal of holding that trophy again at the end of the year . . . .”

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Chicago Sun-Times How Jason Heyward’s rebound season could include All-Star selection By Gordon Wittenmyer

From megabucks hitting bust to All-Star starter in one year?

Say hey to Gold Glove right fielder Jason Heyward, who, in the latest National League All-Star voting update released Monday, held his lead for the final starting outfield spot.

What would it mean to make his second All-Star team a year after his worst season — .230 with seven homers in 2016?

“It [means I] was doing something right,” Heyward said. “It was doing something to help the team, something to help the team win. If you’re focused on that stuff, then everything else will take care of itself.”

Reigning NL MVP Kris Bryant maintained his lead for a starting nod at third base, while the biggest change in the voting since last week was Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo knocked out of the top spot at his position by the Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman.

Heyward, who put in extra work in the offseason on his swing, has improved closer to his career averages this year (.258, five homers, .723 OPS through Sunday) — though he was clearly getting more of a Cubs World Series bump in voting than being recognized for All-Star hitting prowess.

Heyward, Ben Zobrist and Kyle Schwarber rank 3-4-5 in outfield voting, while catcher Willson Contreras (second), second baseman Javy Baez (second) and shortstop Addison Russell (third) all rank in the top three at their positions.

Lineup regret

Less than an hour into the game Friday, manager Joe Maddon regretted his decision to drop Schwarber to the No. 7 spot —then reacted swiftly by dropping him to ninth.

“I hated Schwarber hitting seventh,” he said of his struggling former leadoff man. “I knew I’d made a mistake his first at-bat. They were not going to pitch to him.”

Schwarber struck out swinging at a 3-2 pitch in the second inning, with struggling Russell behind him.

“If you don’t put somebody reliable behind him, they’re going to see that in the meeting before the game and say, ‘Listen, we’re not going to pitch to that guy,’ ” Maddon said.

Schwarber, whose only three hits since May 17 are home runs, hit a Saturday and walked three times Sunday.

“For me, [Sunday] was even better,” Maddon said.

Happ sits after big day

A guy hits two homers, and the next day he’s on the bench? Sure, if Maddon is your manager.

“I had this set up the day before, actually, before [Ian] Happ hit the two homers,” Maddon said of his preference for Albert Almora Jr. in center against Marlins starter Dan Straily on Monday instead of Happ, who hit two homers from the leadoff spot Sunday.

“Regardless of what Happ did, Almora was going to play [Monday],” Maddon said.

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Chicago Sun-Times Cubs’ Albert Almora waiting in the wings with starter-quality ability By Steve Greenberg

There at third base Monday night was Kris Bryant, the face of the Cubs and the paragon of success in the organization. From No. 2 overall draft pick in 2013 to Rookie of the Year in 2015 and MVP in 2016? It couldn’t be drawn up any better.

Out in left field was Kyle Schwarber, the No. 4 pick in 2014 and already something of a folk hero around these parts. Hey, he’s merely the Cubs’ version of Babe Ruth.

At shortstop stood Javy Baez, the No. 9 pick in 2011 and, not for nothing, many people’s pick as the most exciting defensive player in all of baseball.

There’s seemingly a Cubs first-rounder around every corner this season. The list includes Ian Happ, the No. 9 pick in 2015. Manager Joe Maddon gave Happ a turn on the bench Monday, but the 22-year-old started four straight games before that. On Sunday against the Cardinals, Happ homered twice — resoundingly solidifying his role with the big club.

Let’s see, are we forgetting anyone? That’s right — Albert Almora Jr.

“You can’t ever forget about Albert,” Bryant said. “He’s a great player.”

Point taken. Yet Almora — the Cubs’ No. 1 pick (sixth overall) in 2012 — somehow stands apart from the four teammates mentioned above. Out of all of them, it’s Almora whose role on the Cubs has the least definition. It’s an odd reality considering how undeniably skilled a player he is.

Almora is generally considered a potentially elite defensive outfielder. He’s a terrific base runner, as anyone who recalls his tag-up from first to second base in Game 7 of the World Series would agree. He can hit, too, as evidenced by his home run into a strong wind Monday in an all-too-rare start.

Yet he’s arguably low man on the totem pole these days among Cubs position players. Almora entered the season expecting to share the starting role in center with veteran newcomer Jon Jay. Instead, Happ is getting an extended look, and Almora essentially has joined Jay in the role of pinch hitter.

They happen to be killing it; Jay (9-for-20, .450) and Almora (6-for-14, .429) are second and third in the National League in pinch-hitting average among players with at least 10 plate appearances. This type of complementary role is old hat to the 32-year-old Jay. Not so for Almora, 23, who not long ago at all was a high school sensation in Miami.

“I know my role, and I’m OK with it,” Almora said. “This is a team game, and I’m here for them.”

Forget that noise, Bryant advised.

“Albert doesn’t start for us,” he said, “but he’s more than good enough to be a starter. He could start anywhere. Everyone needs to understand that it’s got to be so frustrating for him not to be playing more, but you know what? I’ve never been around a guy who’s more prepared to have that pinch hit or be ready to start a game. He would shine no matter how much was asked of him.”

Nice coincidence: Jay goes back with Almora a ways, since Baltimore Orioles star Manny Machado introduced them and the three started working out together in their native Miami. Most days with the Cubs, Jay and Almora sit together on the bench and keep each other ready to pinch-hit.

“He asks me all game long, ‘You want to go hit in the cage?’ ” Jay said. “He’s always ready. He’s going to be fine. He’s a great player. We talk about having pride in what we’re doing right now, but I know Albert’s time is coming.”

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Chicago Sun-Times Cubs without closer Wade Davis, who goes on paternity list Monday By Gordon Wittenmyer

Cubs closer Wade Davis went on the paternity list Monday, leaving the team to be with his wife, who was in labor in a Chicago hospital.

Players can miss up to three games on the paternity list, but Davis, who has converted 18 consecutive save chances dating to last year, was expected to return during the Marlins series, which concludes Wednesday.

Taking his place on the roster, was right-hander Dylan Floro, who was brought in from AAA Iowa for his third stretch with the big-league club this season.

Veteran Koji Uehara, the former Red Sox closer who earned a save for the Cubs Sunday, is the Cubs’ backup closer in Davis’ absence. Carl Edwards Jr. and Pedro Strop also are in the wings for a save chance if necessary.

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Daily Herald Chicago Cubs' Heyward getting all-star votes By Bruce Miles

Jason Heyward's resurgence at the plate has gained the notice of All-Star Game voters.

Heyward is third among National League outfielders in voting for next month's All-Star Game at Miami. He trails Washington's Bryce Harper and Colorado's Charlie Blackmon, but he leads fourth-place Cubs teammate Ben Zobrist for the third starting spot.

Heyward was asked Monday what it means to have a starting spot at this still-early stage in the voting.

"I'm doing something to help the team win, and that's what I want to try to do every night, find something you can do, try to find a way to be part of the game," he said. "There's a lot of different things I can do to help win. If you're trying to focus on that stuff, everything else will take care of itself."

Heyward, who struggled at the plate last season before rebuilding his swing in the off-season, entered Monday night's game against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field with a line of .258/.319/.404 with 5 homers and 23 RBI.

"The turnaround's been offensive," manager Joe Maddon said. "He's still the same player on the field. He's playing the magnificent defense like he did last year. He's running the bases like he did last year. He's been the great teammate like he was last year. Obviously the difference is the offensive side of the baseball, which is really crucial to awards in our game.

"Give him credit for what he did last off-season. Everybody's looking at it now. Success pretty much revolves around those moments where nobody else sees you, when you're doing this work that's not glamorous, it's not glorious.

"You're not given credit for it. All of a sudden, hey, this guy's in the all-star voting because of something he did in November and December."

Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant is first in the voting for that position. Catcher Willson Contreras is second behind the Giants' . First baseman Anthony Rizzo trails Washington's Ryan Zimmerman, and Javier Baez is second among second basemen, behind Washington's Daniel Murphy. Family time for Davis:

The Cubs placed closer Wade Davis on the paternity list Monday and recalled right-hander Dylan Floro from Class AAA Iowa. A player may be on the paternity list a minimum of one day or a maximum of three.

Davis is 2-0 with 12 saves and an 0.89 ERA. Floro returned for his third stint with the Cubs this season.

Left-handed pitcher Brett Anderson was scheduled to throw a three-inning simulated game Monday in Arizona. Anderson has been on the disabled list since May 7 with a low-back strain.

Be still, my heart:

Reliever Carl Edwards Jr. showed lightning-quick reflexes Sunday night in snagging a line drive off the bat of the Cardinals' Tommy Pham in the eighth inning. Edwards reached up and caught the ball. Anthony Rizzo came over from first base to settle Edwards down.

"He came up and said, 'Hey, man, I just came up here to give you a breather because I know your heart is probably in your stomach right now, give you time to catch your breath,' " Edwards said Monday. "I replied to him, 'Yeah, man, I think my heart just went to my shoes,' because I was ready to run off the mound.

"It was all reaction, but I played it off like I knew what I was doing."

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Daily Herald Maddon shuns 'set lineup' in Cubs win By Bruce Miles

For those longing for the Chicago Cubs to go to a "set lineup," manager Joe Maddon has a message for you: It ain't happening.

Instead, Maddon will continue to mix and match his pieces.

"It's always been an amusing thing, where people are always concerned about a 'set lineup,' " Maddon said before Monday night's 3-1 victory over the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. "I think it's better to do it this way.

"I think it keeps people fresher for the entire season. When you get them on the right guy, they have a better chance to be successful. For a variety of different reasons, folks, all those people out there worried about a set lineup, please, it's not necessary."

The so-called set lineup is pretty much a thing of the past in baseball for many reasons. Advanced analytics have empowered teams to know who hits whom well and who doesn't. Maddon also is big on resting his players. In the Cubs' case, they're also deep enough to be able to have more than one option at several positions.

In Sunday's 7-6 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, rookie Ian Happ started in center field and hit a pair of home runs. On Monday, Happ found himself on the bench as Maddon made good on his promise to find Albert Almora Jr. some playing time by starting him in center.

Almora homered off former Cub Dan Straily in the fourth inning to give the Cubs a 3-0 lead. Kris Bryant homered into the teeth of a 17-mph wind in the first to put the Cubs ahead 2-0.

"I know my role," said Almora, who has 3 homers. "I'm a competitor and I want to play. But it's not about me. It's about the Chicago Cubs winning another World Series."

The Cubs' core of Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras plays on most days, and that's about as "set" as the Cubs get.

"If you just move one or two guys, all of a sudden, it's not a set lineup," Maddon said. "Primarily, the core of that group is still intact. It's been intact almost the whole season.

"We have to get other people involved. I had this set up the day before. Actually before Happ hit the 2 home runs yesterday, I had this set up for the day this way. So regardless of what Happ did yesterday, Almora was still going to play today."

The Cubs got what they could reasonably have expected from their own starting pitcher, Eddie Butler (3-1). He worked 5⅔ innings, giving up a run in the sixth before Maddon went to Mike Montgomery, who went the rest of the way for a save.

"We were ahead (in the count) the whole time, kept the guys on their toes; they made a lot of good plays out there," Butler said. "That's huge, to keep them on their toes to be able to go deep into games."

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Cubs.com Bryant, Almora homer as Cubs cool Marlins By Carrie Muskat and Scott Chasen

CHICAGO -- Kris Bryant smacked a two-run homer and Albert Almora Jr. gave his hometown friends and family something to cheer about with a solo shot to power the Cubs to a 3-1 victory over the Marlins on Monday night for their fourth straight win.

Eddie Butler scattered three hits, all doubles, over 5 2/3 innings to record the first win by a Cubs starter since the right-hander beat the Giants on May 25. The Marlins' only run came on a sacrifice fly by Dee Gordon in the sixth.

"[Miami starter Dan Straily] settles down, really gives a solid seven, gives our offense a chance," Marlins manager said. "And really we just didn't do anything."

It was the second loss in nine games for the Marlins, who were averaging six runs per game in their past eight contests. Both Cubs homers were hit into a pitcher-friendly 17-mph north wind.

"The lake did injure us a bit, but it also got them on the fly ball by [Christian] Yelich to left [in the first]," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "We did hit the ball better than the 3-1 [score], but that's how the ballpark plays some days."

Ben Zobrist doubled to lead off the Chicago first against Straily, and one pitch later, Bryant hit his 13th homer of the season and 10th at home, lining the ball to left and into the wind. It was Bryant's second homer this season with a runner on base. Almora, starting for the first time since May 28, connected with two outs in the fourth. The Cubs have hit 37 home runs in 24 games, tied with the D-backs for the most in the National League in that span.

"Obviously not the way I want to get going there with the first two guys," said Straily, who allowed three runs over seven innings. "But you can't sit there and feel sorry for yourself. There's a lot of ballgame left to go at that point." Think the wind doesn't make a difference? The Cubs have hit 17 home runs in 17 games at Wrigley Field when the wind is blowing in, compared to 23 homers in 11 games when it's blowing out.

"In [batting practice], we were crushing balls," Almora said. "You try not to do too much in these situations. You know if you hit the ball hard, it's going to go."

The Cubs reclaimed a share of the NL Central lead with the win and Milwaukee's loss to the Giants.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Backup plan: Almora has been the odd man out with the arrival of rookie Ian Happ. With two outs in the Cubs fourth, Almora was ahead 3-0 against Straily, then took a strike, and launched the next pitch into the left-field bleachers for his third homer of the season. On Sunday night, Happ hit a pair of home runs, but Maddon said he'd planned to have Almora start vs. Straily and give Happ a day off.

"I'm just happy I'm able to represent my family back home," said Almora, a Miami-area resident, who had a large contingent of family and friends back in watching the game on television. "I just do it for them. When I give them the chance to see their son or their friend go out there and have success, I'm just happy it happened."

Missed opportunities: Butler gave up one hit and walked one over the first five innings. J.T. Riddle doubled to open the Marlins sixth and one out later scored on Gordon's sacrifice fly to center. Giancarlo Stanton doubled to chase Butler and Mike Montgomery retired Yelich to end the inning. The Marlins had chances as they stranded Marcell Ozuna at third in the second inning and again in the seventh.

Montgomery held the Marlins to three hits over 3 1/3 innings for his second save of the season. The Cubs bullpen was without closer Wade Davis, who was on paternity leave. Davis, whose wife, Katelyn, gave birth to the couple's second child on Monday, sent Montgomery a text message to congratulate him on his outing. "I told him, 'Hey, I'm just channeling my inner Wade,'" Montgomery said.

QUOTABLE

"Being efficient, attacking the zone, keeping a good pace, it keeps everybody ready to play. Guys were talking about it after the game -- 'That was great pace of play today.' If you can get them back into the dugout quick, it gets them ready to score runs." -- Butler, on the quick game, which was completed in 2 hours, 16 minutes

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Cubs relievers have gone 3-1 with four saves and a 1.23 ERA in the past seven games. This was Montgomery's second career regular-season save -- he got his first career save in Game 7 of the World Series.

UNDER REVIEW

Riddle reached on an infield single to open the Marlins eighth as catcher Willson Contreras fielded the ball but threw underhand and over first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Contreras then threw to Rizzo to pick off Riddle, who was called safe. The Cubs challenged the ruling, and after a review, the call was overturned.

WHAT'S NEXT

Marlins: Lefty Jeff Locke (0-0, 1.59 ERA) will get the ball for the Marlins on Tuesday for Game 2 at 8:05 p.m. ET. Locke has pitched in just one game this year -- he missed the first two months of the season with biceps tendinitis - - but looked sharp, holding Arizona to one run and three hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Cubs: There's no place like Wrigley Field for Jake Arrieta, who is 2-0 with a 3.06 ERA in three starts at home. He'll make his fourth start there on Tuesday in the second game of this three-game series. Arrieta is coming off a no- decision against the Padres, in which he gave up one run over six innings. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.

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Cubs.com Almora thumps hometown club in rare start By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- Albert Almora Jr. is just like any other Major League ballplayer and would love to be in the lineup every day.

"If I say no, I'm a liar," Almora said. "I'm a competitor and I want to play, but it's not about me. It's about the Chicago Cubs and winning another World Series. I'm happy to be here and happy to help in whatever way I can. Tonight, they gave me an opportunity and I'm glad I helped out."

Starting for the first time since May 28, Almora smacked a solo home run, and Kris Bryant hit a two-run shot to lift the Cubs to a 3-1 victory over the Marlins on Monday night for their fourth straight win.

Almora's playing time has been limited with the ascension of rookie Ian Happ, but Cubs manager Joe Maddon had planned on starting Almora against the Marlins' Dan Straily. Left-handers were batting .181 against Straily, while right-handed hitters were batting .207.

"If we had eight right-handers plus the pitcher, I would do it against Straily in a heartbeat," Maddon said. "Yes, it was Albert's turn to play, based on their pitcher."

"I know my role," Almora said, "and whenever I'm given the opportunity, I'll try to take advantage of it."

It was perfect timing on Monday. Almora is from Hialeah, Fla., and had plenty of family and friends watching the game from the Miami area.

"I got a lot of texts from my friends who were watching the game from [the Marlins] broadcast," Almora said. "They kept mentioning where I was from and the boys [back home] got excited because I was representing the 'hood."

Almora connected despite a 17-mph northerly wind that normally favors pitchers, not hitters.

"It was real strong today," Almora said of the wind. "I think Jon Jay and I, in our hitters meeting, we said, if we hit a ball in the air, we have to go [get it]. For people who are comfortable out there, it was uncomfortable. It happens. We're in Wrigley, we expect that."

But what Almora and the other Cubs have discovered is that if they keep the ball low, it has a chance, no matter what the elements are.

"You know it's possible," Almora said. "In [batting practice], we were crushing balls. You try not to do too much in these situations. You know if you hit the ball hard, it's going to go."

The Cubs have been on a homer spree lately, hitting 27 in their last 13 home games, including two or more in eight of the last nine home games.

"It's almost like the NBA with three-pointers and dunks," Maddon said. "There's no 15-foot bank or pull-up jumper."

Straily fell behind 3-0 against Almora with two outs in the fourth, threw a strike, and Almora connected on the next pitch. According to ™, the exit velocity was 106 mph and the ball sailed an estimated 423 feet. It was his third home run of the season and first since April 28 at Boston.

"I'm just happy I'm able to represent my family back home," Almora said. "I just do it for them. When I give them the chance to see their son or their friend go out there and have success, I'm just happy it happened."

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Cubs.com Bryant in line for ASG start; Rizzo falls to 2nd By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- The Cubs' Kris Bryant leads all National League third basemen in the latest Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot update, but his teammate Anthony Rizzo has fallen behind the Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman in the first-base race.

Zimmerman, who trailed by nearly 94,000 votes last week, has a total of 670,671 votes, while Rizzo has accumulated 657,702 votes. Zimmerman is aiming for his second career All-Star selection (2009), and first starting assignment.

Entering play Monday, Zimmerman, 32, leads the Majors with a .374 batting average and has 16 home runs and 48 RBIs. Rizzo is bidding for his fourth career All-Star selection (2014-16) and second straight fan-elected start. The last Cubs infielder to earn a starting nod from the fans in consecutive seasons was Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who made eight straight starts at second base for the NL All-Star team from 1986-93.

Cubs shortstop Addison Russell is in a close three-way race with leader of the Dodgers (604,783 votes) and Zack Cozart of the Reds (547,750). Russell, who was the 2016 All-Star starter, has received 537,688 votes.

Bryant leads all NL third basemen with 895,752 votes.

The remaining NL leaders include Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (1,149,130 votes); Giants catcher Buster Posey (917,359); and outfielders Bryce Harper of the Nationals (1,459,235), Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies (979,961) and the Cubs' Jason Heyward (498,079).

Heyward has rebounded from the .230 season he endured last year, his first with the Cubs.

"The turnaround has been offensive," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "He's still the same player on the field. He's playing a magnificent defense, he's running the bases like he did last year, he's been a great teammate like he was last year. Obviously, the difference is the offensive side of the baseball, which is really crucial to awards in our game. Give him credit for what he did last offseason."

Heyward went to the Cubs complex in Mesa, Ariz., in November, and worked nearly every day, primarily with assistant hitting coach , who lives in the area.

"He was not satisfied with last year," Maddon said of Heyward. "The only difference is now he's changed his hand position, and his hands are more active in his swing and the ball's coming off hot. The rest of his game is exactly the same."

The Cubs' Javier Baez is second to Murphy in the second baseman voting with 715,928 votes, and catcher Willson Contreras (511,029) is second to Posey. Heyward is trailed by his Cubs teammate Ben Zobrist (472,114), the Braves' (457,586) and Chicago's Kyle Schwarber (423,394).

The Cubs made All-Star history last year by becoming the second team to have its entire infield to start an All-Star Game, as Rizzo, Zobrist, Russell and Bryant were elected to the NL team. The only other team to accomplish that feat was the 1963 Cardinals.

This is the first time Schwarber, Baez and Contreras have been included on the All-Star ballot.

How many players from the defending World Series champs will make it this time? Fans may cast votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on computers, tablets and smartphones -- exclusively online using the 2017 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, June 29, at 10:59 p.m. CT. On smartphones and tablets, fans can also access the ballot via the MLB.com At Bat and MLB.com Ballpark mobile apps. Vote up to five times in any 24- hour period for a maximum of 35 ballots cast.

Following the announcement of the 2017 All-Star starters, reserves and pitchers, fans should return to MLB.com and cast their 2017 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player on each league's All-Star roster. Then on Tuesday, July 11, while watching the 2017 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard live on FOX, fans may visit MLB.com to submit their choices for the Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet with the 2017 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.

The 88th Midsummer Classic, at Marlins Park in Miami, will be televised nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS; and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage, while MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM will have comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information about MLB All-Star Week and to purchase tickets, please visit AllStarGame.com and follow @AllStarGame on social media.

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Cubs.com Happ enjoys having Minors coach around By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- Ian Happ was able to celebrate his first two-homer game with the Cubs' Minor League hitting coordinator, Andy Haines, who is with the big league team for a few days. It's not that the rookie isn't working well with Cubs hitting coaches and Eric Hinske, but Haines has been with Happ since he joined the organization in 2015.

"[Mallee] has been awesome, Hinske has been awesome," Happ said Monday. "[Haines] is really knowledgeable, a hard-working guy. I love being around him and the knowledge he brings."

Happ had been scuffling before his two-homer game against the Cardinals, in which he drove in a career-high four runs. He and Haines have been working together the past few days.

"Haines has been on my swing for two years now, and I've been with Mallee and Hinske since Spring Training," said Happ, the Cubs' No. 2 prospect. "I've only had the opportunity to spend three, four weeks with them and we're still learning each other. They're seeing my swing every day for the first time. Haines has been watching my swing for a while. I'm sure when he's watching my games on TV, he's picking stuff up but he's in Memphis or wherever."

• On Sunday night, Kyle Schwarber drew three walks, which made manager Joe Maddon happy.

"I know the grand slam [on Saturday] was wonderful, but yesterday's game was even better [because of] the fact he was not outside of his zone," Maddon said of Schwarber, who also has been scuffling.

Schwarber batted ninth on Monday for the third straight game. Maddon had inserted him seventh on Friday but didn't like it, and took responsibility. The manager also said he wasn't challenged by his coaching staff about his decision.

"When it's your baby, you react to that child much differently," Maddon said. "You have to clean the dirty diaper. There's an entire difference between me holding your baby or me holding my own. Me hitting [Schwarber] seventh was my baby, and they're not going to feel what I felt during the course of the game, but man, did I screw that up.

"I think parenthood plays a lot into whether you hit somebody seventh or ninth. Even grandparenthood has something to do with that."

• At 42 years and 62 days, Koji Uehara became the oldest pitcher to record a save since LaTroy Hawkins (42 years and 227 days) did so on Aug. 5, 2015, for the Blue Jays against the Twins.

"Koji, as long as we don't run him into the ground, he'll pitch like that all year," Maddon said of the right-hander. "You're seeing 86, 87 [mph] swung and miss. He's got that spin and ride to the fastball that guys just swing through. It doesn't lose its elevation and stays above the barrel of the bat. And then he's got the split. He's totally under control all the time."

Maddon has seen Uehara fall behind a hitter and not get flustered "just because he's done it a 100,000 times before."

• Left-hander Brett Anderson, on the disabled list since May 7 because of back problems, threw three innings in a simulated game on Monday at the Cubs' Mesa, Ariz., complex. There is no timetable for his return.

• Cubs closer Wade Davis was placed on the paternity list on Monday and right-hander Dylan Floro recalled from Triple-A Iowa. This is Floro's third callup to the big league team this season. In two relief appearances, he's given up six runs over 6 1/3 innings.

• After Carl Edwards Jr. snared Tommy Pham's line drive for the second out of the eighth inning Sunday night, first baseman Anthony Rizzo went to the mound to check on the young pitcher.

"He came up and goes, 'Hey, man, I just came over here to give you a breather because I know your heart is probably in your stomach now,'" Edwards said Monday. "'I wanted to give you time to catch your breath.' I replied and said, 'Yeah, man, my heart just went to my shoes.'

"It was all reaction. I played it like I knew what I was doing. When I actually threw the ball to 'Riz,' my arm was just shaking. It happened fast. It was crazy."

• Iowa catcher Victor Caratini and Class A South Bend right-hander Duncan Robinson were named the organization's Minor League player and pitcher of the month for May, respectively.

Caratini, 23, batted .366 with six doubles, one triple, three homers, 17 RBIs and five walks in 24 May games. His .366 average ranked eighth in the Pacific Coast League last month, and he led Iowa with a .573 slugging mark and a .971 OPS.

Robinson, 23, went 2-1 with a 1.00 ERA in five games (three starts). He struck out 24 over 27 innings, and threw a season-high-tying seven innings twice, May 9 at Burlington and May 29 against Fort Wayne.

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Cubs.com Arrieta to square off with Marlins' Locke By Scott Chasen

Jeff Locke doesn't quite resemble the pitcher who made 19 starts and 11 relief appearances for the Pirates last season, though that's partly by design.

Locke (0-0, 1.59 ERA), who will get the ball for the Marlins on Tuesday night for Game 2 of the series against the Cubs, had a little more of a twist to his throwing motion early in his career. The lefty went away from that delivery while in Pittsburgh, but has since returned to it for his most recent outing with the Marlins.

"I came over here, I decided I was going back to what was working in the past," Locke said. "I just came in, first bullpen, [and] started doing it again."

Locke says the delivery helps him balance his weight and be efficient and effective on the mound. So far that's been working, as he pitched 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball in his first outing of the season. He previously missed time with biceps tendinitis.

Opposing Locke will be Cubs righty Jake Arrieta (5-4, 4.60 ERA), who is coming off a solid outing in San Diego where he allowed one run in six innings.

Arrieta has struggled at times this season but has been much better at home. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 3.06 ERA at Wrigley Field this year, compared to a 3-4 record and 5.20 ERA on the road.

Three things to know

• Several Chicago batters had success against Locke when he was with the Pirates. Anthony Rizzo (.385), Jason Heyward (.360) and Kris Bryant (.308) have all hit well off the lefty, and they've done so on a decent sample size of 64 at-bats.

• In his 80-pitch season debut, Locke notched 16 called strikes, including 14 with his four- and two-seam . His 32.6 percent fastball called-strike rate was the third highest of his career in a game with at least 25 heaters thrown.

• Arrieta hasn't pitched against the Marlins since doing so twice in June 2014. In those two outings, Arrieta pitched 13 innings with one run allowed, striking out 18 and walking just one batter.

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Cubs.com Schwarber, Happ show Cubs' dynamic depth By Phil Rogers

Looking back on Sunday night, after Koji Uehara nailed down the Cubs' 7-6 victory and sweep of the Cardinals, the moment was largely lost. But it was impossible to miss when it happened.

Kyle Schwarber, a postseason hero in his first two seasons with the Cubs, was dropped to seventh in the batting order on Friday by Joe Maddon, who up until that point had certainly been patient. Schwarber had hit only eight home runs through May, not nearly enough to go with a .165 batting average and a .286 on-base percentage.

Earlier last week, while the Cubs were on an 0-6 trip to Los Angeles and San Diego, Maddon had indicated that the left-handed-hitting Schwarber would essentially be a platoon player, sitting the bench against left-handers. But what happened on Friday was still shocking.

With the bases loaded and the score tied 2-2 in the sixth inning, Maddon pinch hit Albert Almora Jr. for Schwarber against lefty reliever Tyler Lyons.

Mike Matheny countered by bringing in right-hander Matt Bowman, and Maddon went back to his bench for Jon Jay … who grounded into a double play. This was a painful sequence for everyone involved, except Matheny and Bowman.

But the Cubs would rally to win, 3-2, setting the stage for Saturday's dramatics.

Schwarber was in the lineup against Mike Leake, but Maddon hit him ninth -- not exactly where you expect to find a slugger hanging out. He grounded out in his first at-bat, struck out in his second. The Cards had lefty Kevin Siegrist warming up when Leake ran into trouble in the seventh. The bases were loaded with two outs for Schwarber, who had hit a monster home run off Siegrist in the 2015 National League Division Series (the ball is encased in glass atop the right-field video board).

Maddon said afterward he would have given Schwarber a chance against Siegrist, but we'll never know for sure. Leake convinced Matheny he could retire Schwarber for a third straight time, so Matheny let him stay in. Oops. Schwarber drove Leake's first pitch -- a 91-mph sinker left over the middle of the plate -- into the seats in left- center field for one of the seven grand slams around Major League Baseball on Saturday.

The Cubs took a 5-3 lead and would go on to win by that score. They finished the sweep on Sunday with another comeback victory, in which Schwarber (still hitting ninth) patiently walked three times, the second of which preceded a three-run homer by Ian Happ, who has supplanted the penciled in Jay/Almora platoon in center field.

Happ, who homered in his Major League debut on May 13 in St. Louis, entered the weekend in a 2-for-28 slump in which he had struck out 13 times and walked only twice. His batting average had dropped to .214, and while Maddon still loved him, it was getting hard to see why.

But Maddon, no doubt in heavy consultation with Theo Epstein's analysts, decided to give the switch-hitting Happ a look in the leadoff spot this weekend. (Pat on the back here: This was one of the suggestions I made last week in a "5 Issues, 5 Solutions'' column.)

Happ went 4-for-12 in the series, with a double on Friday and a two-homer, four-RBI game on Sunday night. He was feeling so good afterward that he confirmed to reporters he'd moved out of his Chicago hotel and into an apartment.

The Cubs have moved over .500 (28-27) and reclaimed the home-field advantage they had throughout the 103-win stroll in 2016.

They were swept by the Yankees and Pirates during a stretch where they won only seven of their first 16 home games, but they enter Monday night's game against the Marlins having won 10 of their past 12 at Wrigley Field. With the exception of Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, the Cubs have become a fascinating collection of moving parts.

Even shortstop is somewhat unsettled, with Maddon giving the slumping Addison Russell (.213/.296/.343) some time off in favor of Javier Baez recently. Jay has evolved into one of the NL's best bench players, but it's become tougher to find playing time for Almora, whose .265 batting average is better than all but two Cubs regulars.

The weekend contributions from Happ and Schwarber slam home the point that no team has as much position- player depth as the Cubs, who look ready to use it to go on a sustained run in June.

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