Chicago Cubs news and notes — Happ, Brown, Imanaga
Ian Happ is on pace for a career-high season with strong bat-to-ball skills and 10 home runs through a quarter of the season, putting him on track for 200 career homers. Ben Brown and Shota Imanaga are contributing to the Cubs' pitching efforts, while prospects like Pedro Ramirez are developing in the minors. The bullpen, including Daniel Palencia, Hoby Milner, Phil Maton, and Jacob Webb, delivered key shutout innings in a recent win.
- ▪Ian Happ has a barrel rate over 18%, ranking him in the top 12 in MLB, ahead of players like Yordan Alvarez and Shohei Ohtani.
- ▪Happ is 17 home runs away from reaching 200 for his career and is on pace to potentially hit 27 this season.
- ▪Daniel Palencia recorded his third save of the year, supported by scoreless relief from Hoby Milner, Phil Maton, and Jacob Webb.
- ▪Pedro Ramirez is transitioning to the outfield with the Iowa Cubs, mirroring Ian Happ's developmental path.
- ▪The Cubs' bullpen combined for four shutout innings with three hits and four strikeouts in a recent game.
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