The Latest Breaking News from Ian Happ

The Cubs have skyrocketed up the contact rate rankings since last year. They’re also last in MLB in launch angle.

CHICAGO — In clearing Wander Franco to return to the lineup after he sat out Monday with right quad tightness, the Rays asked him to not run too hard.

The teams formed a giant huddle between home plate and first base after Keegan Thompson hit Milwaukee’s Andrew McCutchen in the top of the eighth.

CHICAGO — Kyle Hendricks wanted to set the tone with his opening-day start.

Cubs outfielders like Michael Hermosillo, Rafael Ortega and Clint Frazier are vying for a spot on the opening roster.

When the Cubs executed their trade-deadline fire sale last July—after they had traded Yu Darvish and nontendered Kyle Schwarber in December 2020—it appeared that they would be entering a multiyear transition. Perhaps this wouldn’t be the type of long rebuild they endured a decade ago, but it was ...

Contreras confirmed Tuesday that the parties haven’t picked up extension talks this spring either.

MESA, Ariz. — Right-hander Adbert Alzolay figured to play an important role on the Chicago Cubs pitching staff, whether in the rotation or out of the bullpen.

The injury news isn’t necessarily over, as the Cubs continue gauging players’ fitness levels coming out of a 99-day lockout.