CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- While their schedule was interrupted because of a COVID-19 outbreak, the Cubs themselves remain virus-free and in good shape on the health front.
The Cubs had the weekend off after their three-game series against the Cardinals was postponed because additional positive coronavirus tests from St. Louis players. Aiming to keep the good form that's accompanied their 10-3 start, the Cubs held a five-inning intrasquad scrimmage at Wrigley Field on Sunday before another light day of work Monday was marked by manager David Ross implementing some fun drills to keep the mood light.
"We just had some batting practice competition with some fun stuff between the guys," Ross said. "We had some obstacles we put out there on the field and some target practice for some guys. We split them up into four teams and let them compete."
Chicago returns to action at Cleveland on Tuesday to start a two-game series. The Cubs were thankful that MLB postponed the series in St. Louis in a timely fashion, as the team returned to Chicago on Friday evening.
"We talked about it as a team," outfielder Ian Happ said. "We trusted the testing and that they (in St Louis) would pick up any positives. We felt they were doing a good job of keeping us safe. They certainly did that. We were prepared to play and get those three games in. Obviously, those testing protocols worked. They did a good job of making sure the process was taken care of when it came to the people and direct contact they had."
Ross echoed that sentiment, praising his team for handling the day-to-day uncertainty that comes with conducting a season amid a pandemic.
"The guys have been good," Ross said. "The fun part is that we get to come to work together, where we all feel super safe in our environment. We are all holding up fine. I think the tricky part is off-the-field stuff where the guys have been hanging out a lot together. That is good in the environments they can control. All of that is positive."
The Cubs shared a few injury updates Monday, with left-hander Jose Quintana (thumb) in line to pitch his second simulated game Wednesday. The goal is for Quintana to throw three innings or 45 pitches, general manager Jed Hoyer said. Quintana hasn't pitched in this 60-game regular season after slicing open his thumb in late June and then needing to undergo surgery soon after.
Reliever Brad Wieck (hamstring) and reliever James Norwood (shoulder) are continuing to work back as well by throwing side sessions.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
