Craig Counsell and his son Brady had a cool moment exchanging lineup cards before the game:
05.03.2026 20:08
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Craig Counsell and his son Brady had a cool moment exchanging lineup cards before the game:
Craig Counsell's son Brady, who was drafted in the 10th round by the Diamondbacks last year, is on Arizona's travel roster for today's game against the Cubs.
Counsell joked he will close his eyes and watch the video later to help with nerves if Brady gets an at-bat in today's game.
Kyle Wright hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2023 because of shoulder surgery & subsequent injuries. Finally healthy, Wright believes the Cubs are the right fit to get back to the majors.
“I’m starting to trust my shoulder, trust myself and just pitch. It’s been a crazy couple of years.” trib.al/dreL13S
Who will make the Cubs roster for opening day? There are bullpen and bench spots up for grabs.
Here are @mmontemurro.bsky.social's projections.
Jefferson Rojas’ performance this spring has made him a standout in camp. An advanced hitter who reached Double A for the first time last year, being part of big-league camp and rising through the farm system has an arrival to the majors in the shortstop’s path.
Cactus League report from @mmontemurro.bsky.social and @lamondpope.bsky.social:
- Cubs' Alex Bregman slugs 1st spring home run ahead of WBC departure
- White Sox's Chase Meidroth back in the swing after productive offseason
- Week ahead for both teams
- What we're reading this morning
yes, if anything he's probably a little ahead of schedule at the moment. Had the surgery in mid April
They brought in a lot of relievers in the offseason, including NRIs
What do you mean?
Justin Steele is full go after a final check up with Dr. Meister on his left elbow. He will start throwing his curveball in bullpens. Next step will be live batting practice.
Steele is still not expected to be back in Cubs rotation until May/June.
If y’all aren’t following (the award winning!) @juliapoe.bsky.social and @mandophotos.bsky.social you should be.
Dansby Swanson's first home run of the spring -- 2-run shot off Guardians' Logan Allen -- was notably over the right field fence. Going to the opposite field more is something Swanson wants to see more of this year.
Cubs' Edward Cabrera flashed good stuff in an efficient outing, his first of the spring. He tossed two perfect innings, striking out three Guardians.
Kevin Alcántara will play in first Cactus League game Saturday as DH.
He's going to get game action regularly, but Cubs are going to be a little cautious with Alcántara after offseason hernia surgery & recovery. They don't want any setbacks.
Counsell: "We've got plenty of time. He's ready to go."
What @mmontemurro.bsky.social heard at Cubs camp:
- Matt Shaw learning on the fly in right field
- Jonathon Long (left elbow sprain) withdraws from the WBC
- Matthew Boyd makes last spring start ahead of WBC
Christian Bethancourt’s visa issue is resolved and he’s in Cubs camp today. He will play in Saturday’s Cactus League game then depart to join Team Panama for the World Baseball Classic.
He’d been working out & playing with his Panama teammates while the visa stuff got worked out so he’s game ready.
Michael Conforto’s 1st WS title evoked mixed feelings. Eager for another, he's betting on himself with Cubs.
“To achieve that dream but also not be on the roster through the playoffs — super bittersweet, super conflicting feeling. ...But it leaves you hungry." www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/26/c...
‘It leaves you hungry’: Michael Conforto motivated to make the Chicago Cubs, get back to the World Series
Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga participates in media day during spring training at Sloan Park, Feb. 17, 2026, in Mesa, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong participates in media day during spring training at Sloan Park, Feb. 17, 2026, in Mesa, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman participates in media day during spring training at Sloan Park, Feb. 17, 2026, in Mesa, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera participates in media day at spring training at Sloan Park, Feb. 17, 2026, in Mesa, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Portraits of Cubs players on photo day at spring training.
📷 @mandophotos.bsky.social
trib.al/MxlDhnE
Shaw called this play part of the learning process in the outfield. Crow-Armstrong couldn't see the fly ball because of the sun and normally it would be his. Shaw said it was a helpful scenario in understanding to always be super aggressive in pursuing a ball in the gap until PCA calls him off.
Matt Shaw can't hold on to fly ball on the run in right-center field that falls & is ruled a double. Little bit of tough play for Shaw as ball was carrying from right to center. Ball hit off his mitt as he went to catch it, looked like he should have made the play
PCA & Shaw had brief chat after it
Mickey Moniak takes Jameson Taillon deep on the first pitch he throws. Baseball underway here in Mesa on a beautiful 83-degree day.
Edward Cabrera will make his first Cubs spring start Friday vs. the Guardians.
Cade Horton will pitch in his first Cactus League action of the spring today while Matthew Boyd gets the start vs. Rockies.
Also slated to pitch for the Cubs today: Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Caleb Thielbar, Luke Little and Jack Neely.
After an encouraging update yesterday on Long, he’s not progressed as well today, per Counsell, and will have to make a decision soon on whether he will play in the WBC.
Cubs injury news: IF Tyler Austin underwent surgery yesterday for right patellar tendon debridement and is out for months.
Counsell said Austin’s knee had been bothering him and wasn’t responding well.
LHP Jordan Wicks is dealing with forearm inflammation. No UCL concerns, down for days not weeks
The Indiana bill that outlines a financial structure for a proposed Bears stadium in Hammond has passed the House, bringing it closer to the end zone.
All that remains for it to become law is final approval by the Senate and the signature of Gov. Mike Braun.
Cubs prospect Jonathon Long (left elbow sprain) is feeling better and took some swings today, Counsell said. Soreness is dissipating.
Long was supposed to leave today for Tokyo to join Chinese Taipei for the World Baseball Classic but will now depart Friday to make sure his elbow is close to 100%.
Michael Conforto’s minor-league NRI deal with the Cubs isn’t official yet, but he participated in workouts today. Craig Counsell anticipates him getting into a Cactus League game Saturday or Sunday.
The Cubs getting acquainted with Automated Ball-Strike challenge system ahead of its debut in MLB this year.
A look at the ABS’ key rules surrounding challenges, the data behind it and which pitches could benefit from the calibrated strike zone: www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/20/c...