The Hidden Battles: Cubs' Grit Beyond the Glamour

The Leadoff Man

Hey Cubs Superfans! When Christopher Morel celebrates a 2-run game-winning homer or Nico Hoerner makes a dazzling play, it's easy to forget these guys are often playing through bumps and bruises. Let's look past the highlight reel and see what goes on off the field. Imagine the constant aches and the pressure to always perform. That's the daily grind for guys like Morel. He's been through the wringer lately – a wrist injury a couple of weeks back, then that nasty fall over Alexander Canario in Boston, and a hard tag from Jeff McNeil last night. These guys are battling injuries we don't always see, and it's only April!

Cade Horton: A Single Step Away

Cubs' top pitching prospect gets the call to AAA Iowa. Just one step separates Horton from Wrigley. What to expect when he gets here.

Cade Horton's journey to the majors is a textbook example of rapid progression amidst adversity. The pandemic and Tommy John surgery cut his collegiate pitching career short, limiting him to only 54 innings. Despite these setbacks, Horton's minor league performance has been nothing short of stellar. In Double-A Tennessee, he boasts an impressive 1.10 ERA and shows excellent command across 16.1 innings, striking out 18 while only allowing 13 hits and 2 walks. These aren't just good numbers; they're exceptional, highlighting his potential and resilience.

Cubs vs. Mets: The Rivalry Rages On

The Cubs' recent loss to the Mets fuels the fire of this historic rivalry.

Last night's 4-2 loss to the Mets might not be a major rivalry moment right now, but it still brings back memories. Back in the day, this matchup had way more fire. Think Miracle Mets and Doc Gooden! Sure, we usually win in the regular season, but they got in the 2015 NLDS? That's where things got rekindled for a week. These games were more than just wins or losses – it was about legacies clashing. While it might not be as intense today, those past clashes still make Cubs-Mets games a little more exciting.

Javier Assad: The Outlier Outsmarting the Odds

Javier Assad's consistent contributions are crucial to the Cubs' success, especially in tough games.

Javier Assad might not be the flashiest pitcher, but he's as reliable as they come. Even against tough teams like the Mets, he finds a way to keep us in the game, even when he's not at his best. Assad thrives on limiting the damage, and that's a valuable skill for any pitcher. This season, he's taken his game to the next level. Before last night, his opponents couldn't manage a single hard-hit ball with an exit velocity over 100mph – a rare feat for any pitcher. Despite a few loud outs against the Mets (thanks to McNeil, Taylor, and Martinez), he still handled the pressure like a pro. Assad's the kind of guy the Cubs are smart to develop, and expect to see him play a bigger role as the season goes on.

The Closer

This Cubs season keeps delivering surprises! From Horton's rise to gritty wins, this team is exciting to watch. But tomorrow's game presents a whole new challenge. The Mets have to face a red-hot Shota Imanaga – he's undefeated with a crazy-low ERA and a ton of strikeouts. Jose Butto gets the start for the Mets, looking to bounce back and show his potential. Don't underestimate Butto – even Mets insiders are buzzing about him. He's got a sneaky-good changeup that throws off hitters, and while he might not be a flamethrower, he's got control and a lot of poise on the mound. Will that be enough to slow down Imanaga and the Mets?