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Tigers Vs. Cubs: Detroit Takes Series With 5-3 Win On Thursday

The Chicago Cubs couldn't overcome Justin Verlander and the Tigers on Thursday.

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18 Total Updates since June 12, 2012
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Tigers Vs. Cubs Final Score: Detroit Wins 5-3

Austin Jackson went 3-4 with three RBI, Justin Verlander pitched eight strong innings and the Detroit Tigers defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-3 at Wrigley Field on Thursday afternoon. The win gave the series to Detroit.

Related: Ian Stewart Injury Update: Cubs 3B Contemplating Wrist Surgery

Verlander struck out eight hitters, walked zero and kept the Cubs quiet save a two-run second inning. Austin Jackson gave him a 3-2 lead and the win with an RBI single in the seventh inning; Jackson's big afternoon concluded with what proved an important two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning. (The Cubs scored their third run in the bottom of the ninth.)

Travis Wood went 6-2/3 for the Cubs and gave up three runs. Darwin Barney was the only Cub to collect more than one hit at the plate.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Ian Stewart Injury Update: Cubs 3B Contemplating Wrist Surgery

Chicago Cubs third baseman Ian Stewart has struggled with a lingering wrist injury for over a year and he told reporters on Thursday that surgery to repair his wrist is "definitely a possibility." On Thursday morning the team placed Stewart on the disabled list, and since being traded to the Cubs from the Colorado Rockies in an off-season deal he has hit just .201/.292/.335 over 179 at-bats.

What's the next step before a corrective procedure? Here's what he told Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago when asked about the possibility of surgery:

"With all the MRI and X-ray results, nothing of major value came up in there that they say we need to get this done now or this would have been taken care of a long ago...I don't know if we'll go that route but it's definitely a possibility."

"In a way you almost hope there is something there because it has lingered about a year and nothing has ever really come up. So hopefully seeing a new guy, new eyes on my wrist, maybe he sees something a little different and should know early next week."

Stewart is scheduled to be examined at the Cleveland clinic later this week, so everyone will be waiting for that look from "new eyes" that the ailing 3B referred to above.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Wrigley Field Is Covered In Tigers Fans Today

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Cubs Trade Rumors: Ryan Dempster Meets With Theo Epstein About Future?

The Chicago Cubs are sitting in last place in the NL Central with a record of 21-41, and the trade rumors about Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza and Alfonso Soriano have been flying around for quite a while. Dempster met with team president of baseball operations Theo Epstein on Wednesday, and they likely talked about his future with the Cubs (via ESPNChicago):

"We discussed a lot of things and obviously there are a lot of things being talked about. I have been around long enough that I know just to concentrate on doing my job the best I can and stay focused and by doing that I am being a good teammate. When you're young and get traded you see it as a negative sometimes, but if you look at it from the other side that means other teams are interested in you."

He has posted a 2.31 ERA and 1.027 WHIP with 63 strikeouts and 20 walks over 74.0 innings, but he is 35 years old and in the final year of a four-year, $52 million deal he signed back in 2009. A recent trade rumor has linked Dempster to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Tigers Vs. Cubs Lineups: Luis Valbuena Makes Start At 3B

On Thursday morning the Chicago Cubs placed third baseman Ian Stewart on the disabled list with a wrist injury, and now Luis Valbuena -- the corresponding Triple-A promotion -- will start in his place at third base against the Detroit Tigers and Justin Verlander on Thursday afternoon. Valbuena produced a .303/.378/.507 triple-slash line at Triple-A Iowa over 246 plate appearances, but he may be in for a difficult return to the MLB with Verlander (5-4, 2.69 ERA) on the bump for Detroit. The Cubs will counter with Travis Wood (0-2, 4.71 ERA).

The game starts at 1:10 p.m. CT on CSN-Chicago, and here are the lineups for each team (via baseballpress.com):

Tigers Vs. Cubs Lineups (6/14)
1. Austin Jackson (R) CF 1. Tony Campana (L) CF
2. Brennan Boesch (L) RF 2. Starlin Castro (R) SS
3. Miguel Cabrera (R) 3B 3. David DeJesus (L) RF
4. Prince Fielder (L) 1B 4. Alfonso Soriano (R) LF
5. Delmon Young (R) LF 5. Bryan LaHair (L) 1B
6. Jhonny Peralta (R) SS 6. Steve Clevenger (L) C
7. Ryan Raburn (R) 2B 7. Darwin Barney (R) 2B
8. Gerald Laird (R) C 8. Luis Valbuena (L) 3B
9. Justin Verlander (R) P 9. Travis Wood (R) P

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Welington Castillo Injury Update: Cubs Activate Catcher From DL, DFA Koyie Hill

After placing third baseman Ian Stewart on the disabled list with a wrist injury and promoting Luis Valbuena, the Chicago Cubs continued their flurry of activity on Thursday by activating catcher Welington Castillo from the DL and designating Koyie Hill for assignment. Castillo suffered a mild MCL sprain back in May and has hit just .185/.241/.370 over 29 plate appearances with the Cubs so far this season. The 25-year-old was signed by the Cubs as an amateur free agent in 2004.

As for Hill, the 33-year-old backstop posted a similarly dreadful triple-slash batting line of .179/.179/.205 over 39 plate appearances in 2012.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Ian Stewart Injury: Cubs 3B Placed On DL With Wrist Issue

The Chicago Cubs have placed third baseman Ian Stewart on the disabled list due to a wrist injury and will likely promote Luis Valbuena from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, per Carrie Muskat of Cubs.com. The Cubs scratched Stewart from the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers due to a sore wrist, and manager Dale Svuem admitted it is time to get the wrist checked out:

"[Stewart] has been battling as much as he can through it," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. "It got to the point today where it was pretty bad and we took him out of the lineup. We'll get it evaluated and put him on the DL [on Thursday]."

Since being traded from the Colorado Rockies in deal involving Tyler Colvin and other minor league players, Stewart has hit just .201/.292/.335 with five home runs and 17 RBIs over 179 at-bats. Meanwhile, Valbuena has produced a .303/.378/.507 triple-slash line at Triple-A Iowa over 246 plate appearances.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Tigers Vs. Cubs Preview: North Siders Face Justin Verlander In Rubber Match

The Chicago Cubs will have their work cut out for them if they're to win an interleague series against the Detroit Tigers tomorrow at Wrigley Field. Reigning MVP and Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander takes the mound for the Tigers. He'll be opposed by Chicago's Travis Wood.

Verlander has lost three straight straight decisions. The 29-year old righty enters the start at Wrigley at 5-4 with a 2.69 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. The 25-year old Wood has made five starts for the Cubs, and enters at 0-2 with a 4.71 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.

Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Ill.

Game Date & Time: Thursday, June 14, 7:05 p.m. CT

TV/Radio: CSN/WGN Radio

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Tigers Vs. Cubs Final Score: Detroit Drops Chicago 8-4

The Detroit Tigers pounded Chicago Cubs pitching for 12 hits en route to an 8-4 victory at Wrigley Field on Wednesday night. The Tigers improved to 29-33 with the win, while the North Siders fall to 21-41.

Chicago led 4-1 heading into the top of the sixth inning, but a four-run sixth from Detroit would kick-start the comeback. Jhonny Peralta's two RBI double highlighted the frame.

Right fielder Brennan Boesch finished 4-for-5 with a homer, two RBI and two runs scored. Peralta added three hits in the win.

Alfonso Soriano and Bryan LaHair each had RBI doubles for Chicago in the loss. Matt Garza allowed seven hits and three earned runs over six innings, falling to 2-5 on the season.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Tigers Vs. Cubs: Chicago Scratches Ian Stewart, Joe Mather To Start At Third Base

The Chicago Cubs have scratched third baseman Ian Stewart from their starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers, as Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports. Stewart reportedly has a sore wrist, so the Cubs have decided to start Joe Mather in his place.

This is the 11th time that Mather has started at third base for Chicago this season. As the Cubs' utility player, Mather has also started in center field ten times and in left field twice, plus he's also appeared in one game at first base. Over 112 plate appearances in 2012, Mather has hit a solid .265/.324/.422 with three homers.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Tigers Vs. Cubs Lineups: No Surprises Among Wednesday's Starters

The Chicago Cubs probably aren't surprising anyone with their starting lineup as they host the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. They're going with the exact same lineup that they used to beat Detroit on Tuesday night, the team's second straight win.

Related: Anthony Rizzo Update: Theo Epstein Says Cubs Nearing Call-Up Of Top Prospect

Don't expect to see this lineup for too long, though, as Theo Epstein mentioned earlier on Wednesday that the team is close to calling up top prospect Anthony Rizzo. Between that promotion and possible trades, the status quo likely won't last much longer than it has of late.

Here's the Cubs' lineup:

And Detroit's lineup:

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Tigers Vs. Cubs Preview: Chicago Looks For Fifth Straight Win At Home

In what's been a generally rough season thus far, the Chicago Cubs have finally began to find a comfort zone in their home park over the past couple weeks. On Wednesday night, the Cubs will be going for their fifth straight win at Wrigley Field as they host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague battle.

On Tuesday, the Cubs beat the Tigers in the series opener for their second consecutive victory, their first winning streak since sweeping the San Diego Padres at Wrigley in late May. Tuesday's win came after the team fired hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, a reflection of the organization's frustration with an offense that's generally struggled all year.

With Matt Garza on the mound, the Cubs can reasonably expect to get a solid performance on the mound. We'll see if the offense can provide the proper support under interim coach James Rowson.

Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Ill.

Game Date & Time: Wednesday, June 13, 7:05 p.m. CT

TV: WCIU

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this series, visit Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Detroit Tigers blog Bless You Boys. For more news from around the world of baseball, head over to Baseball Nation.

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Tigers Vs. Cubs Final Score: North Siders Down Detroit

The Chicago Cubs have won back-to-back games for the first time since sweeping the San Diego Padres at the end of May. The North Siders took the series opener from the Detroit Tigers 4-3 at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night to improve to 21-40 on the season. Detroit falls to 28-33.

After the Tigers scored three runs in the seventh inning to tie the game, the Cubs took the lead in the bottom of the eighth when Darwin Barney scored after shortstop Starlin Castro was safe on a throwing error by Detroit shortstop Johnny Peralta.

Shawn Camp came in to pitch the ninth for the Cubs and nailed down his first save of the season.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Tigers Vs. Cubs: Tuesday's Lineups Announced

The Cubs will hope a new hitting instructor will be a spark for one of the worst offenses in the NL. The Tigers came into the season with one of the top offenses on paper, but have had their own offensive struggles.

Chicago fans will get a look at one of the top hitters in the game in Miguel Cabrera, and another hitter they haven't missed in Prince Fielder.

Here is the Cubs lineup:

1. Tony Campana, CF

2. Starlin Castro, SS

3. David DeJesus, RF

4. Alfonso Soriano, LF

5. Bryan LaHair, 1B

6. Steve Clevenger, C

7. Darwin Barney, 2B

8. Ian Stewart, 3B

9. Paul Maholm, P

Here is the lineup for Detroit:

1. Austin Jackson, CF

2. Brennan Boesch, RF

3. Miguel Cabrera, 3B

4. Prince Fielder, 1B

5. Delmon Young, LF

6. Jhonny Peralta, SS

7. Gerald Laird, C

8. Danny Worth, 2B

9. Max Scherzer, P

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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PHOTO: Chicago Cubs Quick To Take Down Rudy Jaramillo's Picture

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Cubs Fire Hitting Coach Rudy Jaramillo

Given the disasterous season the Cubs have experienced thus far, it wasn't going to be a surprise when some heads started to roll.

On Tuesday, the Cubs announced the firing of hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo.

Jaramillo was hired in Oct. 2009 and was in his third season as Cubs hitting coach. He came highly-touted from the Texas Rangers and CBS Sports' Jon Heyman believed Jaramillo was one of the highest-paid hitting coaches in the Majors.

But the Cubs have hit .247 as a team and are second-last in the NL with a .304 on-base percentage. It is interesting that the Cubs would announce the firing on the day of a game, rather than during Monday's off-day, but this way, it gets covered up by stories about today's game against the Tigers. A rough season for the Cubs continues to get rougher.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Cubs Trade Rumors: Ryan Dempster Could Be 'Classic Ned Colletti Buy' For Dodgers

The Chicago Cubs aren't contending for anything meaningful in 2012, and everybody knows it, so there have been plenty of rumors about trading veteran pieces like Matt Garza and Alfonso Soriano for prospects or any sort of reasonable return. However, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports declared that starting pitcher Ryan Dempster is "by far the most likely to go" in a recent column, and added that a rival GM pegged Dempster as a "classic Ned Colletti buy" for the Los Angeles Dodgers. As with anyone on the Cubs' roster not named Starlin Castro or Jeff Samardzija, Dempster will certainly be available at the deadline as Theo Esptein and Jed Hoyer try to rebuild Chicago into a contender.

Demptster is 35-years-old and in the final year of a four-year, $52 million deal he signed back in 2009. This season he has posted a sparkling 2.31 ERA and 1.027 WHIP over 74.0 innings, which far outstrips his middling 2-3 record.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage and other news, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more from around the world of baseball be sure to visit Baseball Nation.

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Tigers Vs. Cubs Preview: Chicago Welcomes Detroit To Town

The Chicago Cubs begin a three-game set with Detroit on Tuesday.

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