MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Jason Kipnis joined the Chicago Cubs this spring for a shot at the second base job. He also realizes the role he plays in helping develop 22-year-old prospect Nico Hoerner.“I think he’s a stud. He’s going to be one. He’s a young guy with a lot of talent and I don’t want to get in the way of him progressing in this game, or getting better,” Kipnis said at spring training this week.The two-time All-Star spent his entire nine-year career in Cleveland, amassing nearly 100 postseason at-bats, including the Indians run to the 2016 World Series when they lost in seven games to the Cubs.Kipnis, who signed a minor league deal Feb. 11 that included an invitation to major league spring training, said he remembers coming up himself as a top prospect just trying to make his way.“I’ve had good mentors, and bad ones. Ones that didn’t help at all and made it even harder. I just know that’s not how it should work,” said Kipnis, from Northbrook, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.Kipnis, Hoerner,... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Jason Kipnis joined the Chicago Cubs this spring for a shot at the second base job. He also realizes the role he plays in helping develop 22-year-old prospect Nico Hoerner.“I think he’s a stud. He’s going to be one. He’s a young guy with a lot of talent and I don’t want to get in the way of him progressing in this game, or getting better,” Kipnis said at spring training this week.The two-time All-Star spent his entire nine-year career in Cleveland, amassing nearly 100 postseason at-bats, including the Indians run to the 2016 World Series when they lost in seven games to the Cubs.Kipnis, who signed a $1 million minor league deal Feb. 11 as a non-roster invitee to camp, said he remembers coming up himself as a top prospect just trying to make his way.“I’ve had good mentors, and bad ones. Ones that didn’t help at all and made it even harder. I just know that’s not how it should work,” said Kipnis, from Northbrook, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.Kipnis, Hoerner, Daniel Descalso... [More]

Cubs first. Tony Kemp grounds out to shallow infield, Adam Wainwright to Paul Goldschmidt. Nico Hoerner strikes out swinging. Kyle Schwarber homers to center field. Ian Happ singles to right field. Jonathan Lucroy strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 1, Cardinals 0.Cubs third. Nico Hoerner singles to right field. Kyle Schwarber grounds out to shortstop, Paul DeJong to Paul Goldschmidt. Nico Hoerner to second. Ian Happ homers to center field. Nico Hoerner scores. Jonathan Lucroy pops out to second base to Tommy Edman. Victor Caratini grounds out to shallow infield, Matt Carpenter to Paul Goldschmidt.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cubs 3, Cardinals 0.Cubs fifth. Kyle Schwarber singles to shallow right field. Ian Happ homers to left field. Kyle Schwarber scores. Jonathan Lucroy lines out to deep left field to Marcell Ozuna. Victor Caratini homers to right field. Addison Russell singles to left field. David Bote lines out to right field to Dexter Fowler. Daniel... [More]

Pirates first. Kevin Newman flies out to right field to Ian Happ. Adam Frazier lines out to center field to Albert Almora Jr.. Melky Cabrera singles to left field. Jose Osuna singles to right center field. Melky Cabrera to third. Pablo Reyes triples to deep center field. Jose Osuna scores. Melky Cabrera scores. Jacob Stallings grounds out to third base, David Bote to Victor Caratini.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Pirates 2, Cubs 0.Pirates third. Kevin Newman singles to center field. Adam Frazier singles to center field. Kevin Newman to second. Melky Cabrera strikes out swinging. Jose Osuna doubles to deep right field. Adam Frazier scores. Kevin Newman scores. Fielding error by Robel Garcia. Pablo Reyes singles to right field, advances to 2nd. Jose Osuna out at home. Jacob Stallings singles to center field. Pablo Reyes scores. Jake Elmore grounds out to shallow infield, Jose Quintana to Victor Caratini.3 runs, 5 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Pirates 5, Cubs 0.Pirates fifth. Adam Frazier... [More]

Cubs second. Kyle Schwarber lines out to right field to Jake Elmore. Willson Contreras triples to deep left center field. Ian Happ singles to right field. Willson Contreras scores. Jason Heyward strikes out swinging. Nico Hoerner reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Ian Happ out at second.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 1, Pirates 0.Pirates fourth. Adam Frazier singles to center field. Jose Osuna reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Adam Frazier out at second. Pablo Reyes strikes out swinging. Erik Gonzalez doubles to deep left field, advances to 3rd. Jose Osuna scores. Jake Elmore singles to left field. Erik Gonzalez scores. Steve Baron singles to center field. Jake Elmore to third. Dario Agrazal strikes out swinging.2 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Pirates 2, Cubs 1.Cubs seventh. Ian Happ homers to center field. Jason Heyward reaches on error. Fielding error by Erik Gonzalez. Nico Hoerner reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Jason Heyward out at second.... [More]

Cubs second. Kyle Schwarber doubles to deep right center field. Willson Contreras grounds out to shortstop, Paul DeJong to Paul Goldschmidt. Kyle Schwarber to third. David Bote reaches on error. Kyle Schwarber scores. Fielding error by Tommy Edman. Jason Heyward singles to right field. David Bote to third. Nico Hoerner grounds out to shortstop. Jason Heyward out at second.1 run, 2 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Cubs 1, Cardinals 0.Cardinals sixth. Paul Goldschmidt walks. Marcell Ozuna walks. Paul Goldschmidt to second. Matt Carpenter walks. Marcell Ozuna to second. Paul Goldschmidt to third. Yadier Molina singles to center field. Matt Carpenter to second. Marcell Ozuna scores. Paul Goldschmidt scores. Paul DeJong pops out to shallow infield to Ian Happ. Harrison Bader flies out to right center field to Nicholas Castellanos. Matt Wieters pinch-hitting for Ryan Helsley. Matt Wieters reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Yadier Molina out at second.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cardinals 2, Cubs 1.

Cubs first. Anthony Rizzo walks. Nicholas Castellanos doubles to deep left field. Anthony Rizzo to third. Kris Bryant homers to center field. Nicholas Castellanos scores. Anthony Rizzo scores. Kyle Schwarber pops out to shallow left field to Erik Gonzalez. Ben Zobrist flies out to right field to Jose Osuna. Victor Caratini singles to center field. Jason Heyward lines out to deep right field to Jose Osuna.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 3, Pirates 0.Pirates third. Erik Gonzalez doubles to left center field. Trevor Williams singles to shallow infield. Erik Gonzalez to third. Kevin Newman singles to center field. Trevor Williams to second. Erik Gonzalez scores. Bryan Reynolds doubles to deep left field. Kevin Newman to third. Trevor Williams scores. Pablo Reyes singles to right center field. Bryan Reynolds scores. Kevin Newman scores. Jose Osuna grounds out to shallow infield, Kris Bryant to Ian Happ. Pablo Reyes to second. Elias Diaz walks. Colin Moran singles to right field. Elias... [More]

Cubs second. Ben Zobrist singles to left field. Jason Heyward reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Ben Zobrist out at second. Nico Hoerner singles to right field. Jason Heyward to third. Kyle Hendricks out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Elias Diaz to Adam Frazier. Nico Hoerner to second. Anthony Rizzo hit by pitch. Nicholas Castellanos doubles to deep left field. Anthony Rizzo scores. Nico Hoerner scores. Jason Heyward scores. Kris Bryant singles to right field. Nicholas Castellanos scores. Kyle Schwarber grounds out to second base, Kevin Newman to Jose Osuna.4 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 4, Pirates 0.Cubs third. Willson Contreras strikes out swinging. Ben Zobrist homers to center field. Jason Heyward pops out to shallow left field to Colin Moran. Nico Hoerner grounds out to second base, Adam Frazier to Jose Osuna.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cubs 5, Pirates 0.Pirates fourth. Jose Osuna singles to second base. Adam Frazier singles to right field. Jose... [More]

Pirates first. Kevin Newman singles to shallow center field. Bryan Reynolds walks. Kevin Newman scores. Throwing errors by Willson Contreras, Albert Almora Jr.. Melky Cabrera lines out to center field to Albert Almora Jr.. Josh Bell pops out to Willson Contreras. Jose Osuna walks. Pablo Reyes triples to deep right center field. Jose Osuna scores. Bryan Reynolds scores. Adam Frazier doubles to right field. Pablo Reyes scores. Elias Diaz grounds out to shortstop, Nico Hoerner to Anthony Rizzo.4 runs, 3 hits, 2 errors, 1 left on. Pirates 4, Cubs 0.Cubs first. Anthony Rizzo singles to left field. Nicholas Castellanos homers to center field. Anthony Rizzo scores. Kris Bryant flies out to left field to Pablo Reyes. Willson Contreras homers to center field. Kyle Schwarber doubles to deep right field. Nico Hoerner homers to center field. Kyle Schwarber scores. David Bote walks. Albert Almora Jr. grounds out to second base, Adam Frazier to Josh Bell. David Bote to second. Jon Lester strikes out... [More]

Cubs first. Ben Zobrist singles to third base. Kyle Schwarber strikes out swinging. Nicholas Castellanos homers to center field. Ben Zobrist scores. Anthony Rizzo grounds out to shortstop, Luis Urias to Eric Hosmer. Victor Caratini called out on strikes.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cubs 2, Padres 0.Cubs fourth. Victor Caratini singles to left field. Nico Hoerner reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Victor Caratini out at second. Jason Heyward singles to right field. Nico Hoerner to third. David Bote walks. Jason Heyward to second. Nico Hoerner scores. Kyle Hendricks reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. David Bote to second. Jason Heyward out at third. Ben Zobrist lines out to first base to Eric Hosmer.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cubs 3, Padres 0.Padres fourth. Nick Martini singles to right field. Manny Machado singles to center field. Nick Martini to second. Eric Hosmer reaches on a fielder's choice to second base, advances to 2nd. Manny Machado... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:SHORT STUFFThe Cubs are awaiting word on Addison Russell after the infielder was hit in the face by a fastball Sunday. Russell remained in the game for a bit before being pulled as a precaution. The Cubs say he has a nasal contusion and is under evaluation for a possible concussion, although he was set to travel with the club to San Diego. Russell was slated to be Chicago's everyday shortstop with starter Javier B�ez out indefinitely with a hairline fracture in his left thumb. David Bote could fill in for Russell if he misses time.GETTING WILDMets ace Jacob deGrom (8-8, 2.76) starts as New York hosts playoff-contending Arizona and right-hander Merrill Kelly (10-13, 4.69) to begin a four-game series. The Diamondbacks are 1� games behind the Cubs for the final NL wild card, with New York trailing by four games. Arizona had won 11 of 12 before losing to Cincinnati in walk-off fashion Sunday, while the Mets have cooled following a stunning... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday:SHORT STUFFThe Cubs are awaiting word on Addison Russell after the infielder was hit in the face by a fastball Sunday. Russell remained in the game for a bit before being pulled as a precaution. The Cubs say he has a nasal contusion and is under evaluation for a possible concussion, although he was set to travel with the club to San Diego. Russell was slated to be Chicago's everyday shortstop with starter Javier B�ez out indefinitely with a hairline fracture in his left thumb. David Bote could fill in for Russell if he misses time.GETTING WILDMets ace Jacob deGrom (8-8, 2.76) starts as New York hosts playoff-contending Arizona and right-hander Merrill Kelly (10-13, 4.69) to begin a four-game series. The Diamondbacks are 1� games behind the Cubs for the final NL wild card, with New York trailing by four games. Arizona had won 11 of 12 before losing to Cincinnati in walk-off fashion Sunday, while the Mets have cooled following a stunning... [More]

Brewers first. Lorenzo Cain singles to center field. Yasmani Grandal walks. Lorenzo Cain to second. Christian Yelich walks. Yasmani Grandal to second. Lorenzo Cain to third. Ryan Braun grounds out to shortstop. Christian Yelich out at second. Yasmani Grandal to third. Lorenzo Cain scores. Eric Thames lines out to center field to Jason Heyward.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Brewers 1, Cubs 0.Cubs third. Addison Russell hit by pitch. David Bote singles to shallow right field, advances to 2nd. Addison Russell scores. Throwing error by Christian Yelich. Jon Lester doubles to right field. David Bote scores. Ben Zobrist doubles to right field. Jon Lester scores. Kyle Schwarber strikes out swinging. Nicholas Castellanos strikes out swinging. Anthony Rizzo lines out to left center field to Lorenzo Cain.3 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Cubs 3, Brewers 1.Brewers fourth. Christian Yelich singles to right field. Ryan Braun doubles to right field. Christian Yelich scores. Eric Thames strikes... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Chicago Cubs' Addison Russell left Sunday's game against Milwaukee in the third inning, after he was hit on the head by a 94 mph pitch from Milwaukee's Adrian Houser.Russell's helmet flew off as the ball hit around the area of his left cheek, and Russell fell to the ground.Manager Joe Maddon and assistant athletic trainer Nick Frangella rushed to the plate, and Russell initially stayed in the game. Russell stole second on the first pitch to David Bote and scored when Bote singled and right fielder Christian Yelich threw 20 feet to the first base side of the plate for an error.Russell was replaced in the bottom half when Ian Happ entered at third and Bote moved from third to shortstop.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Cubs fifth. Kyle Schwarber grounds out to shallow center field, Orlando Arcia to Eric Thames. Addison Russell homers to center field. Victor Caratini flies out to center field to Trent Grisham. Yu Darvish called out on strikes.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cubs 1, Brewers 0.Brewers sixth. Trent Grisham flies out to left field to Kyle Schwarber. Yasmani Grandal grounds out to shortstop, Addison Russell to Anthony Rizzo. Christian Yelich walks. Eric Thames walks. Ben Gamel singles to right field. Eric Thames to second. Christian Yelich scores. Lorenzo Cain pinch-hitting for Travis Shaw. Lorenzo Cain flies out to deep right field to Nicholas Castellanos.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cubs 1, Brewers 1.Cubs eighth. Victor Caratini walks. Ben Zobrist pinch-hitting for Steve Cishek. Ben Zobrist singles to right field. Robel Garcia to third. Ian Happ pinch-hitting for Albert Almora Jr.. Ian Happ walks. Ben Zobrist to second. Nicholas Castellanos called out on strikes. Anthony Rizzo walks.... [More]

Cubs first. Ben Zobrist walks. Nicholas Castellanos called out on strikes. Kris Bryant strikes out swinging. Anthony Rizzo walks. Ben Zobrist to second. Willson Contreras doubles to left field. Anthony Rizzo to third. Ben Zobrist scores. Kyle Schwarber grounds out to shallow infield, Chase Anderson to Yasmani Grandal.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cubs 1, Brewers 0.Brewers second. Ryan Braun singles to center field. Manny Pina grounds out to third base, Kris Bryant to Anthony Rizzo. Ryan Braun to second. Hernan Perez homers to right field. Ryan Braun scores. Orlando Arcia flies out to left center field to Kyle Schwarber. Cory Spangenberg grounds out to second base, Ben Zobrist to Anthony Rizzo.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Brewers 2, Cubs 1.Cubs fourth. Willson Contreras homers to center field. Kyle Schwarber doubles to deep center field. Addison Russell lines out to third base to Hernan Perez. Jason Heyward flies out to deep left field to Ryan Braun. Jose Quintana grounds out... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel was put on the injured list with elbow inflammation on Thursday ahead of a big series against the Milwaukee Brewers.The Cubs also scratched infielder Javier Báez with lingering soreness in his left thumb.Kimbrel hasn't pitched since allowing a three-run home run to Milwaukee's Christian Yelich in a 4-0 loss Sunday."He felt a little something pop up in that outing so just to be on the cautious side, we had an MRI done," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. "It showed everything is in place structurally. He just has a little inflammation."His elbow was pristine just like when we signed him, which is good news, but unfortunately we have to give him a few days without throwing to let it calm down," Epstein said.Kimbrel had 42 saves for the World Series champion Boston last season, became a free agent and did not agree to a contract until reaching a $43 million, three-year deal with the Cubs on June 7.He made his debut on... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel was put on the injured list with elbow inflammation on Thursday ahead of a big series against the Milwaukee Brewers.Kimbrel hasn't pitched since allowing a three-run home run to Milwaukee's Christian Yelich in a 4-0 loss Sunday."He felt a little something pop up in that outing so just to be on the cautious side, we had an MRI done," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. "It showed everything is in place structurally. He just has a little inflammation."His elbow was pristine just like when we signed him, which is good news, but unfortunately we have to give him a few days without throwing to let it calm down," Epstein said.Kimbrel had 42 saves for the World Series champion Boston last season, became a free agent and did not agree to a contract until reaching a $43 million, three-year deal with the Cubs on June 7.He made his debut on June 27, earning his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning against Atlanta, then allowed five runs over his next two outings. The 31-year-old settled in and converting his next six save opportunities without allowing a run.Kimbrel has a 5.68 ERA in 21 games with 26 strikeouts in 19 innings.Chicago made the move retroactive to Monday, and Kimbrel is eligible to be activated for next Thursday's series finale at San Diego.Infielder David Bote was recalled from Triple-A Iowa.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have activated Ben Zobrist from the restricted list to help with their postseason push.The 38-year-old Zobrist has been out since May 8 while going through a divorce. The 2016 World Series MVP is batting .241 with 10 RBIs in 26 games this year.Infielder David Bote was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday night. Outfielder Mark Zagunis was designated for assignment to create a spot on the 40-man roster.Zobrist is a .266 career hitter with 166 homers and 761 RBIs in 1,630 games. He won the World Series in 2015 with Kansas City and 2016 with Chicago. He played 12 minor league rehab games, hitting .189 with two homers across four levels.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Cubs first. Ian Happ doubles to deep right field. Nicholas Castellanos homers to center field. Ian Happ scores. Victor Caratini singles to left field, tagged out at second, Ryan Braun to Orlando Arcia. Javier Baez strikes out swinging. Kyle Schwarber doubles to deep right field. Addison Russell flies out to deep center field to Lorenzo Cain.2 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cubs 2, Brewers 0.Cubs second. Jonathan Lucroy grounds out to shortstop, Hernan Perez to Yasmani Grandal. David Bote doubles to left center field. Jose Quintana doubles to deep left center field. David Bote scores. Ian Happ reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Jose Quintana out at third. Nicholas Castellanos homers to center field. Ian Happ scores. Victor Caratini flies out to left center field to Lorenzo Cain.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cubs 5, Brewers 0.Cubs seventh. David Bote walks. Tony Kemp pinch-hitting for David Phelps. Tony Kemp pops out to shallow left field to Orlando Arcia. Ian Happ reaches... [More]