Reds pitcher Bauer continues chirping complaints against Cubs
The chirp battle between the Cubs and Reds returned Wednesday, and Cincinnati pitcher Trevor Bauer had some pointed comments following his 3-0 victory at Wrigley Field.
When Bauer finally left the mound with two outs in the eighth inning, after 10 strikeouts and just 3 hits allowed, he waved to the Cubs dugout.
"They were yelling at me all night," Bauer said after the game. "It was kind of funny. I've got to give them props. They actually chirped all night and yelled at me all night. Normally when they get behind they shut up really quick.
"So I've really got to give them props. Even when I got taken out, they were yelling 'bye' at me, so I gave them a nice little wave and some other stuff. It's impressive that you can chirp at someone after he shoves it up your (rear) for 7 2/3 innings."
Bauer has had some Twitter interactions with Cubs starter Yu Darvish in the past. But the two pitchers are friendly. Darvish said he consulted Bauer for advice last season when he was struggling with control.
"He's a great pitcher," Darvish said of Bauer Wednesday. "On this planet, I believe he's the best pitcher."
Ross not hearing chirps:
Not surprisingly, Cubs manager David Ross didn't agree with Trevor Bauer's comments about the noise coming from the home dugout during Wednesday's game.
"I didn't feel like yesterday was any more chirpy," he said before Thursday's contest. "I don't know that either side had a lot to chirp about. Just two good pitchers going at it."
Ross was also asked if he would ever tell his own players to pipe down. There have been plenty of comments about the Cubs energy in the dugout during this season with no fans, along with two public complaints, both by Reds pitchers.
"Would I ever tell my team to pipe down?" Ross said. "I think our team does a really good job of rooting for each other and cheering each other. It's rare that you hear that you hear a negative comment towards the opponent unless that's kind of instigated first from the other side. I may be missing an instance or two. I'm a big believer in cheer for your team.
Pitchers continue rehab:
Tyler Chatwood is one day ahead of Jose Quintana in his rehab program, according to Cubs manager David Ross. He said Chatwood (right forearm strain) threw from 105 feet on Thursday at Wrigley Field, while Quintana (left lat inflammation) was at 75 feet. The plan is to get them throwing off the mound in a few days.
"I think there were definitely concerns that we would even get (Chatwood) back this season," Ross said. "So right now we're definitely fortunate that he's where he's at. We still have a long way to go and a lot of caution behind where we're trying to get him to."
The injured pitcher who may be ready to join the roster first is left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin, who was out with a finger injury when the Cubs got him in a trade with Arizona.