Iowa
Chicago Cubs option reliever José Cuas and recall Keegan Thompson from Triple-A Iowa ahead of Seattle Mariners series
SEATTLE — Chicago Cubs reliever José Cuas hadn’t been fooling many hitters this season.
Since tossing 1 1/3 shutout innings with two strikeouts March 30 in Arlington, Texas, Cuas wasn’t effective. He surrendered at least one run in each of his last four appearances, giving up eight runs and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings. Cuas also allowed both inherited runners to score and hit three batters.
The Cubs optioned Cuas to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday’s off day and recalled Keegan Thompson from Iowa before Friday’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners. Manager Craig Counsell cited Cuas’ predictability as a focal point he will need to work on in Triple A. It comes down to being more confident in the pitch he throws.
“He worked really hard to add the slider and then what happens is you get into the heat of the battle and you kind of go back to what’s comfortable and the hitters kind of made him pay for that essentially as outings kept stacking up a little bit,” Counsell said Friday. “These hitters are really good. They need to have doubt in their head and José needs to create that doubt. When he does he gets people out.”
Thompson, 29, had pitched well in his last three appearances for Iowa after getting roughed up in his season debut. He has given up only one hit in five shutout innings since then with two walks and six strikeouts.
“Clearly he has experience here in the big leagues, so it’s doing what he does well,” Counsell said.
Following Monday’s ugly outing he when was tagged for four hits and four runs in one-third of an inning en route to the Cubs blowing an eight-run lead to the San Diego Padres, Cuas said he has been attacking the strike zone and feels his slider is there.
“My four-seam (fastball) is up in the zone as opposed to middle, my sinker I’m locating it on the corners instead of middle, things like that — I just have to get back to watching some film, seeing where I’m missing and making those adjustments,” Cuas said Monday.
The Cubs acquired Cuas, 29, at the trade deadline last year from the Kansas City Royals for outfielder Nelson Velázquez. Cuas was valuable in a worn-down bullpen the last two months, posting a 3.04 ERA in 27 games.
Cubs vs Diamondbacks John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Cubs reliever Keegan Thompson delivers against the Diamondbacks on Sept. 7, 2023, at Wrigley Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Their bullpen depth is being tested with right-hander Julian Merryweather sidelined on the injured list and right-handers Javier Assad and Ben Brown shifting into the rotation because of injuries to Justin Steele (left hamstring strain) and Jameson Taillon (back strain). Taillon threw 3 2/3 shutout innings Friday night in his second rehab start and first with Iowa. He gave up three walks, one walk and struck out four batters on 68 pitches (46 strikes).
As for whether Taillon could come off the IL if his start went well, Counsell replied, “I’d like to solve the ‘if.’”
“I think (Saturday) is a good time for that question,” he said. “Let’s see how everything goes (Friday) with our team and Jameson’s start.”
Steele threw off a mound in San Diego and will repeat that during the Cubs’ series next week in Arizona as he keeps ramping up the intensity.
“We’re moving forward,” Counsell said. “We’re a little over 15 days or 16 days into this, so we’ve got a ways to go here still, but we’re making progress.”
As Michigan State prepares for its upcoming matchup against Iowa, the Hawkeyes’ recent victory over Washington, with a decisive score of 40-16, serves as a stark reminder of the competitiveness and unpredictability of college football.
Washington, having recently defeated Michigan, the Spartans’ next opponent following Iowa, demonstrated their prowess and potential. However, Iowa’s ability to dominate in that game indicates the challenge that Michigan State will face when it takes on both Iowa and the Wolverines back-to-back.
In order to emerge victorious against Iowa, Michigan State must effectively utilize its running backs and establish a strong ground game. The Spartans have a rich tradition of powerful running, and this season is no different.
A solid rushing attack can not only control the clock but also open up the passing game for quarterback Aidan Chiles. With Iowa’s defense showing its capability to stifle passing attacks, a commitment to the run game will be crucial in keeping the Hawkeyes off balance and creating opportunities for big plays.
Chiles, who has shown promise as a young quarterback, will need to limit mistakes and turnovers during these crucial games. Iowa’s defense is known for its opportunism, and any unforced errors could be detrimental. He must focus on making smart decisions under pressure, ensuring he doesn’t force throws into tight coverage. Additionally, maintaining composure and being decisive in Chiles’ reads will be essential as he navigates what will surely be a challenging defensive scheme.
As Michigan State looks ahead to its subsequent game against Michigan, the need for a solid performance against Iowa cannot be overstated. Establishing a rhythm on the ground will be key, allowing the Spartans to build confidence and momentum heading into the rivalry matchup. Should they succeed in this endeavor, it could set the stage for a thrilling matchup against a team that has already proven its mettle earlier in the season.
Saturday’s game against Iowa will be a litmus test for Michigan State. By leveraging its running backs and ensuring Chiles plays within himself, the Spartans can craft a game plan that not only seeks victory against the Hawkeyes but also builds a foundation for success against Michigan the week after.
The importance of this strategy cannot be overstated, as Michigan State aims to solidify its standing in a challenging schedule ahead.
Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
NORTHWOOD, Iowa (KTTC) – One person is dead after a single-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon in Worth County.
According to Iowa State Patrol, around 1:45 p.m., a vehicle was traveling southbound on Interstate 35 in Worth County near the 208-exit ramp. The driver lost control of the vehicle, went into the median, through the cable barrier and struck the bridge pillar.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Copyright 2024 KTTC. All rights reserved.
Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell praises linebackers’ efforts
It hasn’t been easy for Iowa State’s linebackers, who have been hurt by injuries, but players continue to step up for the Cyclones.
The latest college football polls have been released, and Iowa State keeps moving up.
Iowa State improved to 6-0 after beating West Virginia 28-16 on Saturday in Morgantown.
The Cyclones are now set for a matchup at home vs. UCF on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Iowa State rankings update
Where did Iowa State land?
On Sunday, Iowa State checked in at No. 12 in USATODAY US LBM coaches poll. Previously, the Cyclones were No. 13.
Iowa State climbed up to No. 9 in the newest AP Top 25 college football poll. Last week, the Cyclones were No. 11.
US LBM Coaches Poll
Here is a look at the new US LBM college football coaches poll top 25.
- Texas
- Oregon
- Penn State
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Miami (Fla.)
- Alabama
- LSU
- Clemson
- Tennessee
- Notre Dame
- Iowa State
- BYU
- Texas A&M
- Ole Miss
- Missouri
- Kansas State
- Indiana
- Boise State
- Pittsburgh
- Illinois
- Michigan
- SMU
- Army West Point
- Nebraska
Schools Dropped Out
No. 16 Oklahoma; No. 17 Utah
Others Receiving Votes
Oklahoma 81; Arizona State 49; Navy 37; Utah 31; Vanderbilt 26; Syracuse 13; UNLV 12; Iowa 12; Texas Tech 9; Liberty 9; Washington State 8; Memphis 4; Louisville 4; James Madison 3; Tulane 2
AP Poll
Here is a look at the new Associated Press college football poll top 25
- Texas
- Oregon
- Penn State
- Ohio State
- Georgia
- Miami (Fla.)
- Alabama
- LSU
- Iowa State
- Clemson
- Tennessee
- Notre Dame
- BYU
- Texas A&M
- Boise State
- Indiana
- Kansas State
- Ole Miss
- Missouri
- PIttsburgh
- SMU
- Illinois
- Army West Point
- Michigan
- Navy
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
Vanderbilt 68, Nebraska 62, Arizona St. 39, Oklahoma 36, Washington St. 32, Iowa 29, Texas Tech 18, Syracuse 13, Arkansas 13, Utah 7, Louisville 6, Southern Cal 5, Liberty 2, UNLV 1.
Reach Eugene Rapay at erapay@gannett.com and follow him on X/Twitter @erapay5.
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