When Michael Busch lined a game-tying single through the left side of the infield, Cubs reliever stayed locked in, already focused on gearing up for another inning of work. Having already shut down the Rockies in the 10th and 11th innings, top prospect was ready to do whatever it took to keep Chicago in the game. But rookie Matt Shaw saved him the trouble, delivering a clutch walk-off single to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory at Wrigley Field.
“I kept telling the guys, ‘Pick me up, pick me up,’” top star said after the win. “And they did. The roar from the crowd—it gave me chills.” his gritty effort marked another strong outing for a surging Cubs bullpen, which led all of baseball with a 1.03 ERA since May 14 heading into Wednesday’s action. The right-hander gave up just one hit—an infield single—and the lone run he allowed came on a groundout by the automatic runner in the 11th, which didn’t impact his flawless ERA. Through seven outings (12 ⅓ innings), Flexen has yet to allow an earned run.
Known primarily as a starter throughout his MLB career, Flexen has been adapting to a new role as a long reliever. Tuesday marked his first time working multiple extra innings under the league’s extra-innings rule, which places a runner on second to start each frame. “It definitely adds pressure,” Flexen admitted with a smile, “but the goal doesn’t change: get outs and keep us in the game.” Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised his efforts, saying, “He’s thrown some really important innings for us lately. Last night, he delivered in two huge ones.”
In other team news, Cubs ace Shota Imanaga continued his rehab progress on Wednesday, throwing a bullpen session for the first time since landing on the injured list with a strained hamstring earlier this month. The southpaw also took part in running drills and fielding work, which Counsell described as “a very good work day.” If he recovers well, Imanaga is expected to repeat the routine this weekend before heading to the team’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, during the upcoming road trip. Meanwhile, catcher Carson Kelly was back in the starting lineup Wednesday after battling illness. On Tuesday, he nearly played the hero in a pinch-hit appearance, driving a 104-mph fly ball to the warning track that was likely held back by the wind. “On another night,” Counsell said, “that might’ve left the park.”