Maddon enjoys reunion with Cubs
Joe Maddon hugged Anthony Rizzo, shared an in-game microphone with Kris Bryant, slapped hands with the Cubs' mascot and drew a warm reception from the Chicago fans at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona.
As if he'd never been away at all. The manager who guided the Cubs to an elusive World Series championship in 2016 and parted ways with the team after last season returned on Monday, now guiding the Los Angeles Angels.
The mini-reunion came during at a spring training exhibition, with a split-squad of Cubs topping the Angels, 9-4.
“It's very comfortable,” Maddon said before the game. “There's nothing to lament, it was wonderful.”
The Angels and Cubs don't meet in the regular season, so the short trip from Tempe to Mesa provided Maddon a chance to meet old pals.
Maddon was embraced by new Cubs manager David Ross, who retired as a player after the Cubs beat Cleveland to end their 108-year World Series drought.
The Cubs averaged 94 wins per season during Maddon's tenure, and made the playoffs in the first four. Last year, after Maddon's contract was not extended following an early playoff exit.
Bellinger is ailing: NL MVP Cody Bellinger was scratched from the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting lineup for a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds.
The outfielder took part in a charity event on Sunday night at a Topgolf facility in Scottsdale, and a video showed him hitting a long drive off a tee.
Golf swings aren't believed to be the reason for his injury, according to manager Dave Roberts.