On Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs took the field for the middle game of their series against the visiting San Francisco Giants. In a tightly contested matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Cubs emerged victorious with a final score of 3-2.
This hard-fought win allowed Chicago to even the series at one game apiece, showcasing their resilience in close contests.
While the on-field action provided plenty of excitement, the day also brought significant off-field developments for the organization. Midway through the game, the Cubs announced they had added right-handed pitcher Andrew Wantz to their system. The move aims to deepen the team’s pitching options as the season progresses into the warmer summer months.
Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reported the transaction.
“The Cubs have signed right-handed Andrew Wantz and sent him to the @IowaCubs,” he wrote.
Wantz brings recent major league experience to the organization. Earlier this season, he made one appearance for the Tampa Bay Rays before being removed from their active roster. Last month, he was designated for assignment, opening the door for this opportunity with Chicago.
The 30-year-old hurler was originally selected in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB Draft. For the first four seasons of his professional career, he called the Los Angeles Angels his home. During that time with the Halos, Wantz compiled a solid record of 5-1 along with a 3.88 earned run average across 91 total appearances out of the bullpen.
If Wantz performs strongly with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, he could position himself for a potential promotion to the major league club later in the campaign. Chicago’s front office appears to be looking for reliable arms that can provide flexibility and depth, especially as injuries or workload management come into play during the long season.
Currently, the Cubs sit at 34-31 after 65 games played. That record places them in fourth position within the competitive National League Central division. Despite the standing, the team has shown signs of momentum, going 5-5 over their most recent ten games while posting a strong 20-14 mark in 34 home contests at Wrigley Field.
Following the conclusion of this weekend series with San Francisco, the Cubs will hit the road. Their next assignment begins Tuesday night in Denver against the Colorado Rockies, marking the start of a three-game set at Coors Field. The thin air and hitter-friendly environment there will test Chicago’s pitching staff in new ways.
Last year, the Cubs advanced deep into the postseason before falling short in the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. That experience provided valuable lessons for the current roster, many of whom are eager to build on that foundation and push further in 2026.
Overall, Saturday’s combination of a narrow victory and a strategic roster move reflects a Cubs team that remains active both on the diamond and behind the scenes. As the season enters its middle stretch, every win counts and every addition matters in the quest for playoff positioning.
Fans will be watching closely to see how Wantz develops in Iowa and whether he can contribute to Chicago’s push up the standings.
