Spring training is here and the Cubs are going to be playing baseball within the week. Here are some of the latest updates from the first week of camp in Mesa.
Cubs pitching prospect Adbert Alzolay felt something on his right side, but an MRI didn’t reveal any damage. The right-hander will be delayed for two weeks this spring training. He missed most of the 2018 season with a lat strain. The new injury isn’t related.
Cubs Already Dealing With A Minor Setback To Pitcher In Spring Training
Left-handed reliever Mike Montgomery is dealing with some shoulder stiffness, but it doesn’t seem to be serious. He’ll be setback just a couple days.
Montgomery (left shoulder stiffness) threw long toss, should throw off mound in 2-3 days
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 16, 2019
Cubs closer Brandon Morrow confirmed he won’t be ready for the start of the season.
Cubs Closer Brandon Morrow Confirms He’ll Miss Start Of 2019 Season
And when he does return, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Morrow won’t necessarily be the every day closer.
Cubs Fans Are Going To Get So Mad At Joe Maddon’s Bullpen Usage
Carl Edwards Jr. has a new delivery.
Carl Edwards Jr. Used Kenley Jansen As Inspiration For New Delivery
Tyler Chatwood also made an adjustment during the offseason and worked out with former Cubs reliever Jesse Chavez in California.
Junichi Tazawa is a little to spring training because of a visa issue.
Junichi Tazawa — invited to Cubs camp as an NRI — has been dealing with some visa issues. He's expected to arrive to camp on Monday.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 16, 2019
Addison Russell addressed his suspension for domestic violence and he could not have sounded any less sincere in his apology.
Part of Maddon’s plan for the middle infield to start the season is having David Bote as the primary backup to Javier Baez at shortstop.
Speaking of Bote, he’s a tank now.
A few shots of David Bote from Friday's workout. He was getting reps at second, but will also be the backup at short and third. pic.twitter.com/wzUXUXeLGt
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 16, 2019
😳 🦵💪 pic.twitter.com/T8ltActP0w
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 16, 2019
Kris Bryant: future gold glove center fielder.
Kris Bryant — patrolling left-center during BP — robbed Almora of a homer with a leaping grab at fence. Teammates erupted in cheers. After jogging in, KB to reporters: “Did you get that on camera?”
No. No, we did not.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 16, 2019
Brad Brach signed with the Cubs in February and he discussed why players are raising eyebrows over the free agent process.
New Cubs Pitcher Brad Brach Explains Why MLB Free Agents Are Pissed Off
The Cubs will begin Cactus League play against the Brewers on Saturday.