Chicago Cubs' Hammel gets healthy vs. Brewers again

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers proved to be the right tonic for Cubs pitcher Jason Hammel.

Hammel had not won a decision since June 5, but he picked up a "W" Friday night at Miller Park as the Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-1 for their third straight win overall. Hammel is 7-0 lifetime with a 2.18 ERA against the Brewers.

"You guys always tell me," Hammel said about his record against Milwaukee. "I try not to pay attention."

Hammel also said he's feeling good again physically. He experienced some hamstring tightness before the all-star break. He worked 5⅔ innings against the Brewers, giving up 6 hits and 1 run (Ryan Braun's first-inning homer) as he improved to 6-5 with a 3.13 ERA.

"The leg is good," he said. "Definitely the best I felt in over a month. Very good to have something to throw against, to be able to stride into that front leg and be able to command the fastball because that's been what's missing."

The Cubs got 2 RBI from Starlin Castro and another from Addison Russell. Anthony Rizzo hit his 19th home run of the year in the seventh.

Excited for Haren:

Cubs catcher Miguel Montero was a teammate of newly acquired pitcher Dan Haren with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2008-10.

"I texted him right away, saying 'welcome,' " Montero said. "He was pretty excited about it. I'm excited. He's definitely going to help the team. He's been pitching forever and can help our bullpen and our starters, our young guys."

Haren does not throw hard. In fact he pokes fun at himself in his own Twitter handle, @ithrow88, referring to 88 mph.

"He goes out there with his 88 and competes," Montero said.

The Cubs acquired Haren in a Friday trade for minor-leaguers Ivan Pineyro and Elliot Soto.

Crazy about Hunter:

Relief pitcher Tommy Hunter, acquired in a deadline deal from Baltimore for outfielder Junior Lake, is said to be a free spirit.

"He is crazy," said pitcher Jake Arrieta, a former Oriole. "He's going to be really good in the clubhouse. He talks a lot. He's got a good personality. He's like a big teddy bear. He's going to fit in really well here. He's going to help a lot of the young guys."

Starlin's still here:

Shortstop Starlin Castro did not end up being traded by the Cubs. He had 2 RBI in his first 2 at-bats Friday. It may be that he relaxes after the trading deadline.

"He's a good player who has not had a good season," team president Theo Epstein said. "The best thing we can do is support him and try to put him in a position to turn his season around as quickly as possible."

Castro said he's feeling better.

"I don't want to go anywhere," he said. "It got me a little bit frustrated, a little bit thinking about (being traded). But now it's over and just try to finish my season strong."

Roster move:

In the aftermath of Friday's trades, the Cubs designated relief pitcher Ben Rowen for assignment. His contract was selected from Class AAA Iowa on Wednesday, but he did not pitch for the Cubs.