Cubs Face Unique Challenges at Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs for 112 years, has witnessed countless memorable events. Yet, last Saturday offered a mix that might be a first in the stadium’s history. The night unfolded with a 58-minute rain delay, followed by a 15-minute fog delay in the seventh inning and ended with a postgame fireworks show for the Fourth of July.

Cubs All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong expressed his surprise, saying, “I’ve never seen anything like that.” The combination of weather conditions turned the game itself into a kind of secondary spectacle.

A strong thunderstorm hit Wrigley Field, causing the initial delay before the game could begin. Once the rain stopped, the game started with an unfurled American flag covering much of the field as fog gradually enveloped the scene. Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt managed to hit an opposite-field home run off Cubs starter Shota Imanaga as visibility diminished.

As the fog persisted, play was visibly impacted. In one instance, Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted that the upper deck and the flag in center field had disappeared from view. Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn managed a flyout to Crow-Armstrong, although making the catch was awkward. Cardinals pitcher Kyle Leahy struggled with visibility in the sixth inning, and the conditions led to Cardinals third baseman José Fermín signaling he couldn’t see a foul ball that ended up in the upper deck.

The umpires decided to delay the game after Ian Happ made an out, causing fans to join in singing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The fog eventually cleared, yet the Cubs’ struggles at bat continued. Despite promising positions from Nico Hoerner and players in the seventh and eighth innings, the Cubs failed to capitalize, ending the game with an 0-for-5 record with runners in scoring positions.

Shota Imanaga endured a challenging night, as the Cardinals worked longs at bats against him, pushing his pitch count high. This led to his exit after 4 2/3 innings, marking one of his shortest outings of the season. The Cubs, hit by injuries to 13 pitchers, rely heavily on Imanaga and Colin Rea for stability this season.

Cubs Sign Jake Woodford

The Cubs continued their search for pitching talent, signing right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford. To make room, right-hander Bryse Wilson was designated for assignment. Woodford, with a 6.94 ERA in 16 games for the Milwaukee Brewers, brings major-league experience to the Cubs’ roster.

Manager Craig Counsell explained the signing as an effort to maintain availability regardless of the circumstances. Wilson struggled with performance in Friday’s loss to the Cardinals, whereas his first outing against the Brewers was marked by scoreless innings.

Injury Updates

Matt Shaw, dealing with a left-hand sprain, is expected to return only after the All-Star break. Craig Counsell mentioned Shaw isn’t participating in baseball activities, with the next test for his hand scheduled for midweek.

Jameson Taillon will begin a rehab assignment due to a left hamstring strain, pitching with High A South Bend.

Andy Martinez provided this report as a freelance worker for the Chicago Tribune. Contributions from the Associated Press are also noted.