By demoting Matt Shaw to the minors, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell demonstrated that their patience will not be unlimited. The recent shake-up was also felt in the bullpen, an area where the Cubs have to be aggressive until something else clicks. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down what all these decisions mean, and how this proactive approach also applies to the trade deadline and beyond.

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After exchanging extension proposals around the start of the season, Cubs officials and Pete Crow-Armstrong’s camp decided to hold off and focus on the season. What went into that decision? Who are the comps for Crow-Armstrong? And how did each side feel the process was handled? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer those questions and discuss another bullpen meltdown in the latest episode, using information gathered during the team's West Coast trip.

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The bad news coming out of Dodger Stadium overshadowed the Cubs winning two of three games against the defending World Series champs. All-Star pitcher Justin Steele is scheduled to undergo major surgery. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have the latest information from the team’s current West Coast trip, including insights into Steele’s situation and how the rotation plans are taking shape.

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