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Alex Bregman has Another Three-Homer Game on Monday
Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman went off at the plate for his second three-homer performance in the month of August in Monday night's 17-3 drubbing of the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Bregman went 3-for-6 at the plate with three home runs and four RBI to boost his season average to .258 and his OPS to .785. The veteran third baseman also clubbed three home runs back on Aug. 12 in a 12-6 win over the Washington Nationals, when he went 3-for-3 with seven RBI and two walks. The 32-year-old veteran and three-time All-Star wraps up a very strong month of August with an incredible 12 home runs, 30 RBI, and a 1.025 OPS in 28 games played. Bregman got off to a slow start early in his first year on the North Side in Chicago, but he has been much better in the second half, as he entered Monday's series opener against Milwaukee with a .288/.361/.564 slash line, .925 OPS, 11 homers, 12 doubles, 32 RBI, 32 runs scored, and a stolen base in 40 games during August. If Bregman is half as good in September as he was in August, fantasy managers will be stoked.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cubs Promote Infield Prospect BJ Murray on Monday
The Chicago Cubs promoted corner-infield prospect BJ Murray from Triple-A Iowa on Monday, per Milb Central. Murray, the Cubs' 19th-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, will get his first taste of the Show after hitting .294/.395/.500 with an .895 OPS, 16 home runs, 68 RBI, 74 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 118 games across 516 plate appearances at Iowa this year. The 26-year-old switch-hitter stands at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds and was selected by Chicago in the 15th round in 2021 out of Florida Atlantic University. Murray is old for a prospect, but with his age comes an impressive combination of power upside and plate discipline from both sides of the plate. He has the potential to hit 20 homers at the next level over a full season, but he will most likely serve in a bench role down the stretch for the Cubbies with rosters expanding on Tuesday. In addition to his emerging power, Murray also has speed to boot and could eventually become a 20-20 player down the road in the majors if he can earn a starting spot at either third base or first base on the North Side.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Pete Crow-Armstrong Slugs Three Homers in Blowout Win
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong helped his case in the National League MVP race with his performance against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-6 at the plate with three home runs and six RBI in the blowout win. This was the first three-homer game for PCA during his young career. He started the first inning with a bang when he took Andrew Abbott deep for a solo shot. It didn't take long for Crow-Armstrong to homer again as he got Abbott again in the second frame. In his finale, he connected on a three-run shot off reliever Tony Santillan in the seventh inning. The 24-year-old is slashing .282/.377/.567 with 36 homers, 89 RBI, and 32 stolen bases this season. He'll continue to battle with Shohei Ohtani for the MVP award during the final month of the season.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Seiya Suzuki Continues to Produce for Fantasy Managers
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki may not reach the heights that he showed last season, when he hit a career-high 32 home runs and drove in 103 runs in 151 regular-season games, but his fantasy managers are not really complaining in 2026. After going 3-for-5 at the plate with two doubles, two RBI, two runs scored, and a walk in Friday's 10-8 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field, the Japanese outfielder is now slashing .274/.366/.484 on the year with a career-high .851 OPS, 22 home runs, 77 RBI, 78 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 117 games and 516 plate appearances in his fifth year in the big leagues. The 32-year-old veteran has three multi-hit games in his last five contests for a 1.173 OPS during that span. Suzuki is hitting .285 (41-for-144) with seven home runs in 37 games since the All-Star break and sports a .287/.385/.521 slash line with a .907 OPS, four homers, 10 doubles, 17 RBI, 19 runs scored, and two steals in 24 games in August. If he can keep this up going into September, Suzuki could be the difference for fantasy managers chasing championships.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Edward Cabrera to Begin Throwing on Saturday
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (finger) will resume his throwing program on Saturday, according to Bruce Levine. Cabrera has been sidelined since the middle of August due to a finger blister. When healthy, Cabrera has struggled this season with a 5.68 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and a 67/32 K/BB ratio across 15 starts with the Cubs. Given his durability issues and lack of success as a starter, the Cubs plan to bring Cabrera back as a reliever for the rest of the season. He shouldn't need a long rehab assignment if he's coming back as a relief pitcher. His fantasy value will be limited unless he's going to pitch in a high-leverage role, which is unlikely.
Source: Bruce Levine
Source: Bruce Levine
Matt Shaw Activated off Injured List on Friday
Chicago Cubs infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw (hand) was activated off the 10-day Injured List ahead of Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Shaw has been out of action since late June due to a sprained left hand. He was hitting the ball well during his rehab assignment and appears ready to make an impact in Chicago again. It's unclear how Shaw is going to fit into the puzzle down the stretch of the season. Pedro Ramirez is playing very well, so it'll be tough for Shaw to cut into his playing time. Through 56 games, Shaw is slashing .246/.322/.415 with four home runs, 20 RBI, and four steals. Given he probably won't have a full-time role, Shaw is only worth considering in deep leagues. In a corresponding move, outfielder Kevin Alcantara was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Source: Chicago Cubs
Source: Chicago Cubs
Clay Holmes Re-Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Clay Holmes missed nearly three months this season after suffering a fractured fibula in mid-May. However, the 33-year-old has been highly effective when healthy, recording a 5-6 record with a 2.49 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts across 68 2/3 innings (12 starts). Holmes has also pitched well since being acquired by Chicago from the New York Mets at the trade deadline, pitching to a 2.81 ERA across his first 16 innings (three starts) with the Cubs. Holmes is a ground-ball specialist who pitches to contact, so fantasy managers should not expect high-end production in the strikeout department. However, the veteran right-hander's pitch efficiency allows him to work deep into games, which gives him a good chance to rack up wins while pitching in Chicago. In leagues where he is not already rostered, Holmes profiles as an obvious waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Daniel Palencia Officially Returns on Friday
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia (elbow) was activated off the 60-day Injured List ahead of Friday's game against the Seattle Mariners, Taylor McGregor reports. Palenica is officially back in the mix after being sidelined since mid-June due to an elbow issue. When healthy, Palencia has posted a 2.70 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and a 19/6 K/BB ratio across 16.2 innings of work in 19 appearances. Jacob Webb was pitching well as the closer while Palencia was out, but he'll move out of that role now. Fantasy managers looking for a source of saves should snag Palencia off the waiver wire before it's too late. In a corresponding move, right-hander Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday
Source: Taylor McGregor
Source: Taylor McGregor
Daniel Palencia Will be Activated on Friday
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Daniel Palencia (elbow) will be activated from the 60-day injured list on Friday before the series opener against the Seattle Mariners, according to Meghan Montemurro of The Chicago Tribune. Palencia was the Cubs' primary closer earlier this year before he landed on the injured list on June 16 with a flexor strain in his right elbow, but it remains to be seen how manager Craig Counsell will manage the back end of his bullpen down the stretch with Palencia back in the fold. Jacob Webb has emerged as a trusted source of saves for the Cubbies, having converted seven straight saves while giving up zero runs in his last 23 outings out of the bullpen. At the very least, Palencia will be eased into high-leverage situations in Chicago as he returns from yet another injury. The 26-year-old Venezuelan had a career-high 22 saves in the regular season in 2025, but he has appeared in only 19 games in 2026 while saving three games in 16 2/3 innings pitched. Fantasy managers scrounging for saves should be interested in stashing Palencia, who is rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Kevin Gausman Leaves Tuesday's Start with Hand Cramp
Chicago Cubs right-hander Kevin Gausman (hand) was pulled in the fifth inning of his start against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday due to a hand cramp, per Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Gausman allowed seven hits and three earned runs while recording five strikeouts across 4 1/3 innings before exiting the game. Gausman has struggled since being traded to the Cubs by the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline, pitching to a 6.13 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 16 innings (three starts). For the season overall, the 35-year-old has recorded a 6-11 record with a 4.58 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 143 strikeouts across 143 1/3 innings (26 starts). He's pitched to a 5.52 ERA across 31 innings since the All-Star break. While Gausman appears to have avoided a serious injury, his ongoing troubles on the mound put his fantasy value in question going forward.
Source: 670 The Score - Bruce Levine
Source: 670 The Score - Bruce Levine
Daniel Palencia Set to Be Activated from Injured List "Soon"
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that right-hander Daniel Palencia (elbow) will be activated off the injured list "soon," per Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network. Palencia has been on the IL since mid-June due to elbow inflammation, but he's made five minor league rehab appearances since August 5 and appears to be on the doorstep of a return to the big leagues. Across 16 2/3 innings (19 games) on the year, Palencia has recorded a 2.70 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 19 strikeouts, and three saves. The Cubs have deployed a closer committee for most of the year and could continue to do so once Palencia returns. However, the 26-year-old recorded 22 saves in 2025 and profiles as Chicago's highest-upside relief arm. Ahead of his impending activation, Palencia should be viewed as a priority waiver wire target in any fantasy league where he remains available.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Jaxon Wiggins Pitching in Relief in Last Two Appearances at Triple-A
Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins has pitched one-inning relief outings in his past two appearances at Triple-A Iowa. Both innings were scoreless for the talented right-hander and the relief pitching is a new trend for him at Triple-A, signifying he could have a role out of the bullpen with the Cubs at the big league level potentially. With Iowa this season, Wiggins is 0-3 in seven starts with a 9.00 ERA in 24 innings pitched. He has three combined strikeouts in his two innings of bullpen work. So Wiggins could be carving himself a role as a reliever for the Cubs. At age 24, that might be Wiggins' quickest path to the majors, but it wouldn't be the best role for fantasy. As a reliever he has high strikeout upside but wins and saves would be scarce making him better left on the waiver wire in most leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Edward Cabrera Headed Back to Injured List Due to Blister
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (finger) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday due to a blister on his right middle finger, per Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network. Cabrera just made it back from the injured list on Sunday after missing nearly two months due to a hamstring injury. However, he allowed seven earned runs across 3 2/3 innings against the St. Louis Cardinals in his first start back and is now set to miss additional time. Cabrera has had a rough first year in Chicago, recording a 5-5 record with a 5.68 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 67 strikeouts across 76 innings (15 starts). While the 28-year-old should make it back from the injured list shortly after he is first eligible, Cabrera needs to put together a stretch of healthy and productive starts before fantasy managers can rely on him.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Grade 2 Oblique Strain for Dansby Swanson, Could Miss 4-6 Weeks
ESPN's Jesse Rogers is hearing that Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (oblique) suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain, which carries a normal timetable of four to six weeks. It would leave him ready for the postseason, but fantasy managers might be without him for the rest of the 2026 regular season. The 32-year-old veteran is expected to be placed on the 10-day injured list before Monday's series opener against the Chicago White Sox after he injured himself on his first swing of the day in Sunday's series finale against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues should not feel the need to keep Swanson stashed, as he might not be back until mid-September in a best-case scenario. In the meantime, the Cubs will slide Nico Hoerner from second base to shortstop, with Pedro Ramirez most likely to see most of the playing time at the keystone going forward. In his fourth year with the Cubs, Swanson has hit a career-low .216 (87-for-403) but has 18 home runs, 66 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 78 runs scored in his 119 games played and 458 plate appearances.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Cubs Promoting Outfield Prospect Ethan Conrad to High-A
The Chicago Cubs are promoting outfield prospect Ethan Conrad to High-A South Bend, according to Chase Ford of Milb Central. Conrad, the 17th overall pick last year from Wake Forest University, earned the promotion late in the season after hitting .246/.325/.436 with a .762 OPS, four home runs, 21 RBI, and 14 runs scored in 29 games and 123 plate appearances at Single-A Myrtle Beach. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound left-handed hitter is ranked as the Cubs' No. 3 prospect at MLB Pipeline, behind only outfielder/first baseman Josiah Hartshorn and catcher/first baseman Owen Ayers. Conrad has a solid gap-to-gap approach at the plate and makes a lot of hard contact, but like many young hitting prospects, he can get over-aggressive. The 22-year-old has a solid power/speed profile right now in the low levels of the minor leagues, with a chance to develop more with added strength. Conrad has plenty of developing to do and probably won't be a realistic candidate to make his major-league debut until 2028.
Source: Milb Central - Chase Ford
Source: Milb Central - Chase Ford
