Stroman hoping to finish career with Cubs
When Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman walked off the field in the eighth inning Saturday to a standing ovation, he lifted his arms above his head and pounded a bare fist into his glove to thank the fans.
Stroman allowed just 2 hits over 7⅔ innings against Milwaukee, but got a no decision in the 6-5 victory in 11 innings. After the game, he saluted the crowd a second time.
"I love everything about being a Cub," Stroman said. "I actually do hope I finish out my career here because it's special. The energy that this fan base brings each and every day even when we're not winning, it's truly remarkable. I've never been a part of something like that."
Stroman made his major league debut with the Blue Jays in 2014 and was traded to the Mets five years later. He signed a three-year deal with the Cubs last winter, with a player option for the 2024 season.
"Just to feel that energy, even if it's the second or third inning, a big-time moment, to feel the crowd get up and get into it, that just gives us so much more momentum," he said. "Just truly thankful for the fan base for showing up and sticking with us through the ups and downs, and being extremely loyal."
Stroman also gave credit to his teammates for staying even keel, saying he can feel no difference in the clubhouse when the Cubs are on a losing streak or doing well.
"I love the group of guys that we have and I think we'll be competitive for years to come," he said.
Healthy and improved starting pitching has played a large part in the Cubs recent surge.
"I think the group is in a good place in terms of togetherness or however you want to call that, camaraderie," Nico Hoerner said. "Winning obviously helps that."
Wisdom day-to-day:
The Cubs say X-rays were negative on Patrick Wisdom's injured left ring finger, so they're hoping he avoids a trip to the injured list. Christopher Morel started at third base on Sunday with P.J. Higgins at first.
Wisdom was injured while sliding into home plate in the 11th inning Saturday. He was tagged out and was reaching to touch the plate when the injury happened. Willson Contreras followed with an RBI single to end the game.
Around the minors:
Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong had an interesting night in South Bend on Saturday, going 4-for-4 with 3 doubles against Beloit. MLB Pipeline elevated him to the Cubs' No. 1 prospect this week.
Another top prospect, Brennen Davis, homered at the Arizona rookie league this week as he works to return from back surgery. Overall, though, Davis was 2-for-14 at the plate heading into Sunday's action. OF Michael Hermosillo has joined the rookie team for a rehab assignment. Cubs third-round draft pick Christopher Pacciola hit his first professional home run Friday.
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