NOTEBOOK Comeback kids
Associated Press
All six of Pittsburgh’s victories have been in come-from-behind efforts. Pittsburgh rallied past the Chicago Cubs 4-3 Thursday night.
“They keep fighting,” manager Derek Shelton said. “They keep grinding. I mean, it’d be nice if we’d get a lead from the first inning and hold it to the last. It’d definitely help my heart. But they keep going and grinding and it’s a credit to them.”
New contract for Wendle
Marlins infielder Joey Wendle signed a one-year contract and avoided arbitration. Miami acquired Wendle from Tampa Bay in the offseason. The contract includes a mutual option for 2023.
Walk this way
Juan Soto’s walk was his 15th of the season. The Washington Nationals star has reached base in 18 of his last 33 plate appearances with two doubles, a homer, 11 walks and a hit by pitch.
Short stay
Cleveland infielder Gabriel Arias was optioned to Triple-a Columbus after being added as the 29th man for Wednesday’s doubleheader against the White Sox. Arias got his first major league hit in the second game.
Trainer’s room
Pittsburgh: The Pirates optioned RHP Roansy Contreras to Triple-a Indianapolis and called up RHP Chase De Jong on Thursday. Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Contreras will “have an impact as a starter this year” and that he felt the best place to “get him stretched” out was in Indianapolis. RHP Luis Oviedo was designated for assignment.
Chicago: The Cubs dealt RHP Cory Abbott to San Francisco for cash after designating him for assignment on Saturday. … Chicago also acquired LHP Sean Newcomb from Atlanta in exchange for Jesse Chavez and cash Thursday. Cubs manager David Ross said he didn’t want to “prejudge” Newcomb before seeing him live, noting that the 28-year-old has had “some major league success” and faced “some adversity.” Newcomb was available after joining the team on Thursday. … Ross said LHP Wade Miley (left elbow inflammation) had a “really nice bullpen” on Wednesday. Ross said Miley will get a minor league assignment before returning to the active roster.
Cardinals: OF Lars Nootbaar (left ear abrasion) had minor discomfort after fouling off a pitch in Wednesday’s game but pinch hit Thursday and struck out to end the game. … Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said reliever Drew Verhagen experienced hip discomfort and was removed after working the fourth inning.
Marlins: IF José Devers (right shoulder impingement) is throwing to 90 feet and is taking batting practice.
Nationals: 1B Josh Bell was in the lineup one day after leaving in the third inning with left knee tightness. An MRI on the knee Thursday was clean. … RHP Hunter Harvey went on the 10-day injured list with a right pronator strain. RHP Erasmo Ramírez was promoted from Triple-a Rochester.
White Sox: Eloy Jiménez returned as the designated hitter after not playing in the doubleheader because of a sore left ankle. … OF AJ Pollock (hamstring) was expected to return Friday.
Guardians: Infielders Owen Miller and Yu Chang and pitchers Cal Quantrill and Anthony Castro remain on the COVID-19 injured list. The four players stayed in Cleveland when the team flew to New York for a series against the Yankees.
“They can’t go with us,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. “They can’t come into the ballpark. They’re confined to being away from us.”