SAN DIEGO – Not lengthy after the information broke Tuesday evening that Brewers star Christian Yelich is out for the season with a damaged kneecap, Kris Bryant hit a pair of two-run homers for the Cubs in his return from his personal knee damage.
Which knee has an even bigger impression on both group stays to be seen over the ultimate 20 days of the season.
What’s sure is that the National League playoff image took on a a lot completely different look Tuesday evening — because the Brewers closed to one-game again of the Cubs for the final wild-card berth on the evening they misplaced their star.
Yelich, the reigning NL MVP, was having a good higher season this yr – together with a 6-for-8, five-walk surge towards the Cubs in three consecutive Brewer victories over the weekend.
On this evening in San Diego, the Cubs obtained simply three innings from beginning pitcher Jose Quintana and, ultimately, a four-pitch, bases-loaded stroll by reliever Steve Cishek to finish a 9-Eight loss to the Padres in 10 innings.
Manuel Margot drew the one-out stroll because the Cubs’ lead for the second wild card dwindled to at least one over the Brewers and 1 1⁄2 video games over the Phillies.
“This is not the ideal situation,” Bryant stated. “But what number of years are you simply going to undergo it [in a] cakewalk and simply be all rosy and smiles on faces and all people’s comfortable? I don’t assume that’s how life goes on the whole.
“What I can let you know is that everyone right here could be very motivated and able to go and … being the place we’re within the standings is just not the place we wished to be. But I feel we’re all very prepared and hopefully we’ll make these final [weeks of] video games actually matter.”
Kimbrel gained’t return Thursday
Cubs nearer Craig Kimbrel (elbow irritation) threw flippantly on the aspect once more Tuesday however seems a number of days away from a full-intensity bullpen session, assuring he gained’t be able to return from the injured record on his first eligible day Thursday.
“It’s responding well,” stated Kimbrel after throwing Tuesday.
No readability on Russell
Shortstop Addison Russell remained in baseball’s concussion protocol two days after being hit within the head by a pitch Sunday in Milwaukee.
The Padres group physician examined Russell each Monday and Tuesday, and his standing is topic to day by day analysis till he’s symptom-free.
“From the reports we have on him, he’s getting better and better every day,” stated Russell’s agent, Scott Boras.
Don’t put Hoerner in (SS) nook
Meanwhile, Russell’s substitute, Nico Hoerner stays the on a regular basis shortstop till Russell’s return – after which will get the prospect to earn enjoying time at second base and within the outfield even after Russell returns.
“That’s something we talked about before he even got here,” Maddon stated. “We’ll try to make our best call on a nightly basis.”
Hoerner, the 2018 first-round draft decide who has performed largely shortstop as an novice {and professional}, performed a full season in faculty at second, and he spent a variety of time this season studying to play outfield, particularly centerfield.
“I’m going to be more comfortable in some places than others but I also feel confident anywhere on the field,” he stated.
Binge hitting
When Jason Heyward homered in Tuesday evening’s second inning, he turned the sixth Cub with 20 house runs this season, tying the 2017 franchise document. The 5 others: Kyle Schwarber, Javy Baez, Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Willson Contreras.
Those 5 and Ian Happ did it in 2017.
It’s solely the fifth time in franchise historical past the Cubs have had 5 20-homer gamers (additionally 2008, 2004, 1958).