Chicago Cubs closer David Robertson has 'definitely thought about' possibility of being traded
While the Willson Contreras trade watch figures to kick into high gear in a month, there's one other player that may yield the Cubs a nice return: Closer David Robertson.
Robertson, speaking at his locker before the Cubs hosted San Diego on Wednesday, said: "You know, I've definitely thought about it. I haven't spoken to anyone about it upstairs. It wouldn't surprise me."
GM Jed Hoyer, who signed Robertson to a one-year, $3.5 million deal on March 16, has to be happy with how the 37-year-old has performed. Robertson (1.59 ERA) has appeared in 20 games and allowed 12 hits and 10 walks while striking out 32 in 22⅔ innings. He also leads the Cubs with 7 saves.
Robertson, nearly three years removed from major arm surgery, saved 124 games for the Yankees and White Sox from 2014-17. He also has a 2.89 career ERA and has struck out 12 batters every 9 innings.
Plenty of contenders could certainly use a closer/setup man like that down the stretch.
"I'm on a one-year deal and if they can pick up prospects by moving me, that's their decision to make," Robertson said. "I'd love a chance to win, but I do like Chicago. There's great crowds every night. It's a fun place to be, good city."
Madrigal to IL:
The Cubs placed second baseman Nick Madrigal on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 12) with a left groin strain Wednesday. Madrigal suffered the injury while sprinting out of the batter's box at Yankee Stadium on Friday.
The 25-year-old has appeared in only 31 games this season and is hitting .222 with a .263 OBP. Madrigal played in 54 games for the White Sox in 2021, then suffered a season-ending hamstring injury on June 9.
The Cubs acquired Madrigal on July 30 as part of the Craig Kimbrel trade.
"(We're being) a little cautious after what he went through last year," manager David Ross said. "We've got to find a way to keep him on the field pretty regularly and ... let him continue to develop into a big-league starter.
"Some things have popped up with him this year. Had some real setbacks. Want to make sure we get him all the way healthy - make sure everything's moving the right way."
Around the horn:
Eric Stout, a 2011 St. Francis (Wheaton) graduate, made his Cubs debut during the team's 12-5 loss Tuesday. He allowed 2 runs on 3 hits while walking one and striking out two in 2 innings. ... Willson Contreras, who hit 2 home runs Tuesday, now has 10 multi-HR games in his career. He passed Jody Davis to move into second place in team history. Gabby Hartnett is No. 1 with 14. ... Contreras' 12 homers lead all MLB catchers. ...
Padres 3B Manny Machado's single in the first inning Wednesday gave him 1,500 hits in his career. He's the 17th player to reach that milestone and hit 250 HRs before the age of 30. ... The Padres' 39-24 record was the best in team history through 63 games.