The Cubs are close to getting their ace back. Shota Imanaga tossed two innings in a rehab start at the Arizona Complex League on Monday night. The lefty struck out four and allowed just one hit while tossing around 25 pitches. The team wanted him to get to 40 on the evening, so he immediately threw another 15 in a bullpen after his outing.

Ian Happ had his history against Phillies righty Taijuan Walker in mind when stepping into the batter’s box in the sixth inning on Tuesday night. Walker had used a mix of sinkers and cutters to handcuff the Cubs’ left fielder in the past,

Craig Counsell reacts to Ian Happ’s two-homer breakout as the Chicago Cubs stay hot in the NL Central vs. the Phillies.

WASHINGTON — As soon as Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner completed the tag on the Nationals’ Robert Hassell III, his right hand shot up. He popped up and pointed to left fielder Ian Happ, who slapped his glove in celebration.