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MILWAUKEE — It really doesn’t take much for Chicago Cubs fans to get excited.
A couple of late-inning wins in Milwaukee, including a game Tuesday that Justin Steele declared “was drunk,” helped alleviate some worries over the Cubs’ post-London slump.
And with Marcus Stroman on the mound Thursday for the series finale against the Brewers, the outlook was suddenly sunnier as the Cubs prepared for a three-game series against the New York Yankees.
The bright lights of New York, the aura of Yankee Stadium and a reunion with former Cubs legend Anthony Rizzo made it a perfect way to head into the All-Star break, during which Stroman, Steele and Dansby Swanson were selected for the game in Seattle.
But a Cubs comeback fell short Thursday in a 6-5 loss to the Brewers — after a five-inning outing by Stroman and 16 strikeouts by the offense — leaving them a season-worst eight games behind the division-leading Cincinnati Reds.
“It’s a big one in New York,” said Cody Bellinger, who went 4-for-4 and homered for the first time since April 30. “I still feel pretty good. The series could have gone either way for all of those games. Coming out with a split (was) not great, not terrible.
“We’re playing good. A lot of baseball still left to be played.”
Bellinger could be auditioning for the Yankees, one of several contending teams in need of a left-handed bat at the trade deadline.
As a coveted player with postseason cred, he knows how this all works.
“I definitely know what is possible,” he said of being trade bait. “I like being here and focusing on helping this team while I am here. Hopefully we could get on a little roll and stay together.”
Stroman confirmed Thursday what he had hinted at since the London Series, saying he doesn’t plan to pitch in the All-Star Game to “put a priority on my body and my mind.” He might not go to Seattle at all.
“I’m not sure, to be honest with you,” he said. “It’s been a lot since the (World Baseball Classic) coming into this year. I made every start, which I’m thankful for, grateful for (help from the training staff). … But I’m definitely looking forward to having a little bit of a break, just to restore my energy, clear my mind and have a good second half.”
Swanson, who sat out after suffering a left heel bruise Wednesday when he landed awkwardly on first base on a double-play grounder, didn’t know if he could play in New York this weekend or whether he also would opt out of the All-Star Game or attend the festivities.
“It’s not anything we’ve really decided on yet,” he said, adding he would discuss it in New York. He also said the need to recharge is real.
“A tough schedule in terms of travel and rain delays and schedule changes and weird baseball times,” Swanson said. ‘But that’s obviously part of our job, something we get paid to do. We’re all grateful to be in this position, but there is that time where you get a few days to rest, relax and get ready for a great second half.”
While the Cubs love having their players chosen for the game, some in the organization don’t mind Stroman sitting it out. After all, he could be a trade chip if the Cubs fall out of contention.
Manager David Ross conceded it’s a conundrum: Teams want their players healthy and rested, but the All-Star Game is also a special gift to baseball fans.
“Listen, I don’t ever think it’s healthy for our sport or for anybody to think the All-Star Game is something we should not participate in and look down upon,” Ross said. “This is a special honor those guys get and a great opportunity to be around other great players, to get experiences and (see) how other guys do things and be in a really cool atmosphere.
“I wish I would have had that (experience) as a player. … But from my seat as a manager, you want your players healthy when they get back. But you also want them to continue to grow and be a part of cool opportunities, and I think the All-Star Game is really special.”
If Stroman and Swanson pull out, Steele could be the only Cub in the game. He might even be the National League’s starting pitcher.
“I don’t think it should be up for debate,” Stroman said. “I think he’s the clear-cut starter for the NL. If you watch the game, see everything involved, I think everybody should pick him.”
Steele said he’s just looking forward to being in Seattle.
“It’d be a really cool experience to get in the game and actually play,” he said. “But the main thing I’m looking forward to is just getting there and enjoying the moment with my family.”
The Cubs felt good about the split in Milwaukee coming off a poor stretch. Yan Gomes’ two-run homer tied the game in the eighth, but Victor Caratini’s solo homer off Michael Fulmer in the bottom of the inning ended any hope of a third straight emotional win.
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Now it’s on to New York for the reunion with Rizzo and a chance to end the first half on a positive note.
The Cubs were outscored 28-5 in the Yankees’ three-game sweep last year in the Bronx, part of a 10-game losing streak. Jameson Taillon pitched the finale for New York, earning the win in an 18-4 romp in which Ross sent out first baseman Frank Schwindel to pitch the eighth inning.
Taillon wound up signing a four-year, $68 million deal with the Cubs but has struggled to regain his form in the first half, going 2-6 with a 6.93 ERA. He’ll face former White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodón, who will be making his Yankees debut after recovering from a left forearm strain and back stiffness, in Friday’s series opener.
“My fiancee and I really embraced the city,” Taillon said, “loved the New York lifestyle, taking the subway to the stadium and playing for a storied franchise, like I am now, and playing in front of 40,000 really locked into the game. I’m excited just to catch up with everyone, and what better way to go on a roll than to go in there and pitch well.”
Rizzo has been gone long enough that a series against the Cubs won’t be as hyped as it was in 2022. But he no doubt would love to perform well for Cubs fans watching at home and to beat his old friend Ross, whom Rizzo nicknamed “Grandpa.”
“It’s weird sitting in my seat when you’ve got a friend on the other side that you want to beat,” Ross said. “But also when they get a hit, you’re fine with it. It’s a weird space to be in.”
The Cubs have been in a weird space since the trip to London. Could it get any weirder in the Big Apple?
