Javier Baez winced in pain after taking a pitch off his right forearm.
The text from a Connecticut number welcoming Kris Bryant to the New York Mets took took the Chicago Cubs' slugger aback.
For the all of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Chicago Cubs, Anthony Rizzo is sure of one thing.
When the Chicago Cubs fully committed to rebuilding before the 2012 season, they envisioned developing a core group of players to deliver a perennial playoff contender and a World Series title.
Less than 30 minutes after President Theo Epstein announced the Cubs were parting ways with Joe Maddon, slugger Anthony Rizzo said the speculation surrounding potential successor David Ross would be "a zoo."
SAN DIEGO — All-Star shortstop Javier Báez could return to the Chicago Cubs if they reach the playoffs.
MILWAUKEE — Christian Yelich sliced an opposite-field double off Brandon Kintzler to score the winning run in the ninth inning as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 on Saturday night.
NEW YORK — Yu Darvish pitched eight masterful innings, Javier Báez homered and drove in three runs, and the Chicago Cubs topped the New York Mets 5-2 Tuesday night to take the opener of a pivotal three-game series in the National League wild-card race.
CINCINNATI — Anthony Rizzo's 30th birthday celebration had a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.
CHICAGO — Ian Happ hit his second career grand slam, José Quintana tossed two-hit ball through seven innings to win his sixth straight decision and the Chicago Cubs ripped the Oakland Athletics 10-1 on Wednesday.
CHICAGO — Led by Javier Báez, the Chicago Cubs had enough offense Monday night to make up for the absence of Willson Contreras.
CHICAGO — After another rough road trip, Javier Báez and the Chicago Cubs came home to Wrigley Field and came out swinging.
SAN FRANCISCO — A whirlwind afternoon that included the demotion of struggling shortstop Addison Russell, a late change in starting pitchers, an ejection of Anthony Rizzo and an injury to All-Star third baseman Kris Bryant put the Chicago Cubs in a must-win situation as far as manager Joe Maddon was concerned.
CHICAGO — Javier Báez tagged the San Diego Padres in all sorts of ways.
CHICAGO — Before Friday's game against San Diego, a 9-year-old boy named Mateo met Anthony Rizzo in the Chicago Cubs' dugout and gave him a note asking for a "moonshot" on behalf of group attending a charity running event of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation this weekend.
CINCINNATI — Javier Baez hit his first grand slam of the season. Jose Quintana got his first win since May 5. And a long, hot game ended with a dust-up involving Yasiel Puig and an ejection for the Cincinnati Reds manager.
CHICAGO — Javier Baez hit a milestone homer to win a game after Pete Alonso went deep once again to set a team record.
DENVER — Cole Hamels was sharp all afternoon — even when his fastball hit Nolan Arenado in the arm.
CHICAGO — Kyle Schwarber and Javier Báez homered, Kyle Hendricks was solid again through seven innings and the Chicago Cubs beat Colorado 6-3 on Tuesday night to end the Rockies' season-high eight-game winning streak.
CHICAGO — Jon Lester returned to form, allowing one run in seven innings, and the Chicago Cubs' offense came alive in an 8-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday.
CHICAGO — Pinch-hitter Javier Báez's single capped a two-run, ninth-inning rally and lifted the Chicago Cubs over Philadelphia 3-2 on Tuesday night to stop the Phillies' four-game winning streak.
CHICAGO — Pitching in the rain for most of a cold Sunday night, Jon Lester gave the Chicago Cubs everything he had.
CHICAGO — A game-time wind chill of 30 degrees didn't provide ideal conditions Tuesday night for the Marlins and Cubs, who struck out 11 times against left-hander Caleb Smith.
Synonyms for conventional include normal, standard, regular, ordinary and common.
CHICAGO — Taylor Davis got the comeback started with a grand slam in the fourth inning. Javier Baez finished it with a go-ahead homer in the eighth.