Cubs Notes: Arrieta One-Hits Reds, Cubs High-A Affiliate Moving to Myrtle Beach
For a team that is most likely going to finish the season in the cellar of the National League Central, we sure have had some fun moments this year.
Last night it came in the form of another masterful performance by Jake Arrieta.
Arrieta shut out the Reds, yielding only one hit on 110 pitches. The lone Reds hit came off the bat of Brandon Phillips–because of course it had to be him. Phillips stood and watched his double to center field, which was oh-so-close to being caught by a diving Matt Szczur.
Arrieta stuck out a career-high 13, and it was the first complete game for a Cubs starter this year (and the first of Arrieta’s career). It’s a shame he couldn’t get the no-hitter, but man, what a dominating pitching performance that was.
Possibly overlooked in the excitement, the Cubs offense used a patient approach to beat a very tough pitcher in Johnny Cueto. Jorge Soler added his first home run at Wrigley Field (fifth overall) in the 7-0 win.
Affiliate dealings
The Cubs have switched their High-A affiliate from Daytona to Myrtle Beach. The Cubs had been in Daytona for the past 22 years. The Myrtle Beach Pelicans most recently were an affiliate of the Texas Rangers.
The new affiliate will play in the Carolina League, and the Player Development Contract runs through 2016. Theo Epstein told Mark Gonzales that the weather in Daytona was a factor in the decision to move.
The Cubs also announced they have renewed their agreement with the Iowa Cubs to run through 2018. This will ensure 38 years together.
Kane County still remains up in the air. Before Tuesday’s game, Theo Epstein was non-committal about the Cubs returning, Patrick Mooney reported. “They’re making a push here to do some things to help. But, again, it just comes back to what’s best for the players,” Epstein said.
Rizzo and Alcantara sit on Tuesday
After hitting a walk-off blast on Monday night, Anthony Rizzo was on the bench Tuesday. Before panic sets in, don’t worry. This was all apparently part of the plan.
Rick Renteria said Rizzo will probably be playing every other day for the time being, according to Carrie Muskat. When I first heard that Rizzo wasn’t playing, I was admittedly worried, but it makes sense to ease him back in. He was out for almost three weeks and didn’t have a rehab assignment.
Also out of the lineup Tuesday was Arismendy Alcantara, who crashed into the wall on Monday after making a nice catch in center. Alcantara underwent an MRI and had a protective wrap on his wrist on Tuesday, Patrick Mooney reported. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.
Other notes
* 2014 first-round draft pick (No. 4 overall) Kyle Schwarber took batting practice at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. Schwarber told the media he would like to stick at catcher, where he played in college, but that he ultimately would play anywhere. Playing for three minor league affiliates after being drafted this summer, Schwarber hit a combined .344/.428/.634. It’s going to be fun tracking his progress in his first full season with the organization next year.
* Edwin Jackson will be pitching Friday against Dodgers, Rick Renteria said. He will face Clayton Kershaw, which undoubtedly will be an epic pitching match-up.
* With the win on Tuesday, the Cubs surpassed their win total of 2013. It sure has been a more enjoyable season.
* Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has green-lighted the Cubs to break ground on the Wrigley Field renovation. Both the jumbotron in left field and the Budweiser sign in right should be up in 2015, said Cubs spokesperson Julian Green.
* Anthony Rizzo is up for another award. He is the Cubs’ 2014 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes the player who best represents the game of baseball both on and off the field.