Chicago Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon always knew adding a usable changeup to his arsenal would help neutralize left-handed hitters.

The Cincinnati Reds plan to start their ace fresh off a 15-day IL stint in their first matchup of the year against the division-leading Chicago Cubs.

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With Porter Hodge unavailable because of a left oblique issue that will land him on the injured list, manager Craig Counsell turned to Palencia to close out the ninth inning Monday at LoanDepot Park. The 25-year-old hard-throwing right-hander retired the first two batters he faced and went ahead 0-2 on No. 8 hitter Derek Hill when he hung a slider.

This Cubs team very much appears to be a connected group with staying power, in a place where any sense of momentum can suddenly multiply.

Reacher star Alan Ritchson is approximately the size of a forklift, so it goes without saying that he stood out in the stands of Wrigley Field this

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The dynamics of a bullpen can shift quickly. A trusted reliever can suddenly look shaky after just a handful of so-so outings and vice versa. The Chicago Cubs bullpen’s ERA ranks 22nd in baseball, at 4.59. But if one were to look only at the current eight relievers, that number drops to 3.67. Not elite, but certainly significantly better.