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The end of that New Mexico State vs. Auburn game was absolutely terrible basketball and I’m not just saying that because the Aggies lost 78-77 and I had them money line. Just awful basketball, aka, college basketball. Anyway, here are some Cubs updates.
Brandon Morrow threw off a mound for the first time this spring training on Monday and he had another throwing session on Thursday. Morrow is coming back from elbow surgery in November and so far he’s passed all the small tests.
Brandon Morrow just completed a 25-pitch, all-fastballs bullpen session. “All good,” he said, giving a thumbs up to a pack of tidbit-hungry scribes.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 21, 2019
Meanwhile, Pedro Strop has a bullpen session scheduled for Friday. He was temporarily shut down in the middle of March because of a mild hamstring strain.
Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.
Strop (right hamstring) doing well, bullpen scheduled for Friday. Still not ruled out for Opening Day, per Maddon.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 21, 2019
Yu Darvish, who left his last start in the fifth inning because of a blister, threw on Wednesday and has a bullpen scheduled for Friday. The righty will make his last spring training start on Sunday.
Maddon said Darvish is scheduled for bullpen Friday. They haven’t decided on Minor League or MLB start for him Sunday, but controlled Minors setting makes a lot of sense.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 21, 2019
This one is new. Right-hander Steve Cishek has been out for a few days because he’s been sick. He’s expected to return shortly.
Steve Cishek has been battling illness last few days. Doing better and expectation is that he will be fine to resume pitching on Friday.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 21, 2019
The Cubs still don’t know if Daniel Descalso will be ready for Opening Day. He’s been dealing with a sore shoulder.
Maddon said Descalso is nearing getting at-bats (possibly on Minor League side). Optimistic about his chances to be ready in time for Opening Day.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 20, 2019
Carl Edwards Jr. was ejected against the Mariners earlier in the week after hitting a batter. He later admitted that he did it because Willson Contreras and Kris Bryant were beaned in the same game and he was sticking up for his teammates.
Carl Edwards Jr., when asked if he was defending his teammates (Contreras and Bryant both HBP on Tuesday) when he hit Seattle’s Austin Nola with a pitch in the 6th… pic.twitter.com/g6HCoWDzR4
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 20, 2019
That happened against minor leaguers for the Mariners, as the MLB roster was over in Japan playing the first couple games of the regular season. Anyway, the Cubs and Mariners will play against each other four times in 2019.
Some more Nico Hoerner batting practice.
Good morning from Sloan Park where Nico Hoerner is taking BP. #Cubs @TheAthleticCHI pic.twitter.com/q281Psy1j4
— Emily Waldon (@EmilyCWaldon) March 21, 2019
Opening Day one week away!
