2026

Originally posted on Inside The Diamonds | By JC Giff | Last updated Apr 16, 2026 11:02 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs AM Coffee Break Update shows the club at 9-9. They finished off Philadelphia with an 11-2 win on April 15. Chicago heads home next with momentum after a dominant all-around performance to close the series.

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Standout Performer

Nico Hoerner turned in the biggest night, driving in a career-high five runs to power the Cubs’ offense. His timely hitting helped fuel a 15-hit attack that steadily wore down Philadelphia pitching.

On the mound, Shota Imanaga was just as impactful, striking out 11 over six strong innings. He controlled the game from the start, allowing the Cubs to build and protect a comfortable lead. Imanaga used his split finger and high fastball to keep the Phillies hitters off balance all night. He threw 67 of his 97 pitches for strikes on the way to his first win of the season. Shota now has 31 strikeouts in 22 innings of work.

Key News & Notes

Michael Busch and Ian Happ were the only Cubs hitters not to record a hit in yesterday 15 hit effort. Michael Busch is now hitting .148/.254/.180 on the year.

The Cubs made no roster moves yesterday.

The bullpen picture remains tight, with Hunter Harvey and Phil Maton still among the relievers on the injured list. Imanaga pitched for six innings in the finale. This prevented any added strain. It kept the relief group in a manageable position heading into the next series. Ben Brown pitched two innings last night without giving up a hit. Luke Little worked the ninth and gave up two hits. He allowed one earned run on a home run to Bryce Harper.

Manager Craig Counsell highlighted Imanaga’s command and confidence as a key factor. He also credited Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Matt Shaw. They drove in nine RBI combined last night

Farm Report

Triple-A Iowa Cubs: Casey Opitz went 2-3 with two RBI. Despite his efforts, the Iowa Cubs experienced a 9-4 loss to the Columbus Clippers last night.
Double-A Knoxville Smokies: Ethan Hearn went 2-4 with a double and two RBI last night in the Smokies’ 8-0 win over the Pensacola Blue Whoos
High-A South Bend Cubs: Owen Ayers hit his fourth home run of the season in a 2-4 effort in the Cubs 9-5 win over the Beloit Sky Carp
Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Cole Mathis had two home runs and four RBI in the Pelicans 5-4 over the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.

Looking Ahead

The Chicago Cubs AM Coffee Break Update turns to Friday. This event takes place at Wrigley Field. There, Chicago opens a series against the Mets. Edward Cabrera is the expected starter for the Cubs, while Kodai Senga is lined up for New York.

Quick take: When the Cubs get this kind of balance, they excel with dominant starting pitching and deep lineup production. They look like a team that can stack wins quickly.