Welcome back to the Cubs Beat newsletter. Jordan Bastian has covered baseball for MLB.com since 2005, including the Cubs since the 2019 season. |
CHICAGO – To put it in basketball terms, Cubs manager Craig Counsell described new acquisition Willi Castro as being essentially the equivalent of a sixth man for his ballclub. The utility man could come off the bench, while also playing a crucial role that includes regular playing time.
With a starting lineup that rarely changes, Counsell believes Castro – reeled in at the Trade Deadline from the Twins – is precisely the type of player the North Siders need for the season’s stretch run. Whether considering matchups or players in need of rest, Counsell can slot Castro into the mix in a variety of ways.
“We’ve asked a lot of those guys,” Counsell said of his regulars. “They’ve been healthy. We’ve been fortunate there. Willi’s a really good player and he has a skill set that’s kind of rare in this league, in that he’s capable of playing infield and outfield and get regular at-bats because he’s a switch-hitter. It covers us in a lot of places.” |
Castro’s best positions via the metrics are second base and left field, but he can offer depth at every infield and outfield spot. He also offers plus speed (Castro stole 33 bases in ‘23), solid on-base ability and occasional offensive pop. And while his career splits are relatively even, Castro has hit lefties especially well (132 wRC+) this season.
“We’re not going to give guys off-days that don’t need them, in our eyes,” Counsell said. “We’re going to do it when we feel like it’s helpful. But I also think I do want to get Willi involved. He’s been playing a lot and I want to keep him playing, and I think that’s important.”
Counsell offered an early glimpse into how Castro will be utilized over the weekend against the Orioles. |
On Saturday, shortstop Dansby Swanson was given a rare day off – he leads the Cubs in games started and is second on the team to Pete Crow-Armstrong in innings played – and second baseman Nico Hoerner moved to short for the game. Castro got the start at second base on Saturday and then spelled Matt Shaw as the starting third baseman on Sunday.
During his Cubs debut on Saturday, Castro had a pair of hits – including a triple – and made a handful of strong plays in the field.
“I know his versatility has been well covered, but that’s real,” Hoerner said. “It’s incredibly helpful for the group down the stretch as guys inevitably deal with little things and need days. He’s a quality starting player at a bunch of different places. And the energy he brings, too – he’s a very positive, upbeat guy. I’m really looking forward to getting to know him better.” |
MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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Who boasts the lowest career ERA at Wrigley Field as a member of the Cubs (min. 11 starts)?
A. Jake Arrieta
B. Hippo Vaughn
C. Matthew Boyd
D. Cole Hamels |
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A QUICK CHAT WITH … MICHAEL SOROKA |
Prior to the Trade Deadline, the Cubs acquired Soroka in a deal with the Nationals. He is slated to make his Cubs debut with a start against the Reds on Monday. Q: How does it feel to be joining the Cubs? Soroka: It feels amazing. I’ve said before, this is an organization that I’ve always wanted to play for. It’s a storied franchise and it’s a lot of exciting guys in the clubhouse, too. I’ve been getting the low-down from Dansby every once in a while about the way this club is. It’s an exciting time. I’m very happy to join. Q: Does it help to be staying in a rotation for now? Soroka: It’s great. I appreciate the confidence they showed in me, obviously, in the trade, and the things that they said to me when I came here and the things that they really like that I did. I think that’s a good way to move forward and hit the ground running. Q: What’s it like jumping right into a postseason chase?
Soroka: It’s new life. Yeah, it’s kind of like a new start to the season for me. You get some long days in July and you’re looking forward to this Trade Deadline and seeing what happens. Joining a team like this, it’s a new breath of adrenaline and life. I’m looking to take that through the end of the season and hopefully help this team compete for a World Series.
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“Wrigley Field is a national landmark. For over 100 years, this has been the beating heart of the baseball world and a shining emblem of our nation’s favorite pastime. There’s no place like it. From the ivy-covered outfield wall to the legendary bleachers, the park was designed to capture the beauty and the tradition and the fellowship of baseball. Whether you start out a baseball fan or not, you’re going to fall in love with the game here at Wrigley.” – Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, during the 2027 All-Star Game announcement |
- The 2027 All-Star Game is coming to Wrigley Field. Read more >>
- Cubs all don 23 in “beautiful” tribute to Ryne Sandberg. Read more >>
- New additions arrive as Cubs prepare for playoff push. Read more >>
- Breaking down what Cubs did and didn’t do at Deadline. Read more >>
- A complete run-down of a hectic Trade Deadline around MLB. Read more >>
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Monday’s night game against the Reds will feature a special-ticket offer that includes a Cubs Big Ten shirt. Then on Tuesday, there will be another special-ticket offer featuring a back-to-school Cubs backpack. Looking ahead to the next homestand, the first 10,000 fans in attendance for the Aug. 17 tilt against the Pirates will receive a double bobblehead featuring Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson and his wife, soccer star Mallory Swanson. Click here to see the full promo schedule. |
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C. Matthew Boyd
OK, the minimum qualifier here was probably a giveaway, but that’s how many starts Boyd has made at Wrigley in his brief Cubs career to date. And in those outings, the veteran lefty has crafted a sterling 1.75 ERA. Next is Lefty Tyler, who logged a 2.16 ERA in 40 games (35 starts) from 1918-21. Boyd’s ERA is also the best through a player’s first 11 home starts with the Cubs since 1963 (Larry Jackson, 1.59 ERA). |
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