CINCINNATI – Major League Baseball’s Field of Dreams game was a big-time success between the Yankees and the White Sox and they’re hoping for more of the same next season with the Cubs.
Manager David Ross let it slip last week that the Cubs would be part of next year’s game before attempting to correct himself. According to reports, the Cubs will be taking on the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 11, 2022. It would be the series opener of a three-game set with Cincinnati serving as the home team.
The date is listed as an off-day for both team’s on next season’s tentative schedule as the league has not officially announced the move.
Adding the Cubs to next year’s event in Dyersville, Ia. makes perfect sense for MLB, who saw the highest ratings for a regular season game since 2005 for their Field of Dreams broadcast. With the Cubs representing one of the country’s largest fan bases, it should be a major
The Cubs were supposed to be a part of the second London Series last season against the St. Louis Cardinals, but the game never happened due to the shortened 60-game season and coronavirus pandemic.
Cubs promote local product Hermosillo from Triple-A Iowa
The Cubs selected the contract of outfielder Michael Hermosillo from Triple-A Iowa before Tuesday’s game against the Reds. Hermosillo, 26, signed a minor league deal with the Cubs during the offseason and has had a monster year in the minors. He slashed .310/.448/.600 with 10 homers with 25 walks in 42 games this season.
Hermosillo is also a local product, growing up in Ottawa, Ill. and was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 28th round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Ottawa Township High School.
He’s had a brief stint in the Major Leagues in parts of three seasons with the Angels, slashing .188/.288/.287 with one home run and three stolen bases.
“He had a nice spring for us,” Ross said before Tuesday’s game. “He did a good job before he got hurt and then there were some moments early on where his name was talked about and he had an injury pop up down there. But he’s been great. I’m happy he’s here and gonna get an opportunity to contribute.”
In a corresponding move, the team designated struggling right-hander Dan Winkler for assignment. Winkler was one of the Cubs’ reliable relievers during last year’s 60-game season, but things were not trending in the right direction for the right-hander.
Winkler had command issues over the last few months and those issues came to a head over his last three outings as he allowed 12 earned runs over 1 2/3 innings (64.80 ERA).
“Just trying to maybe give somebody else an opportunity in the situation we’re in,” Ross said. “That’s a tough conversation that’s unfortunate about this game. You have a guy that’s given me a lot ever since I’ve been a manager. He’s given me a lot. He’s worked through a lot of ups and downs and I think we’re at a spot to maybe give somebody else a shot in a moment where he’s just struggling a little bit.”
Left-hander Kyle Ryan, who was designated for assignment on Thursday, was outrighted and elected free agency.
