The Chicago Cubs line up as one of the prospective buyers, especially for pitching, as baseball's July 31 trade deadline approaches.

The Cubs lineup had a bit of a different look Friday, going up against White Sox right-hander Adrian Houser, who is in the midst of the best season of his career. Switch-hitting Vidal Bruján got the start at third base over Matt Shaw, and left-handed hitting Reese McGuire started behind the plate.

Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon threw 47 pitches during a bullpen session Friday at Wrigley Field, per the Cubs. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 4 with a right calf strain. Prior to his injury, Taillon had a 4.44 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP across 95.1 innings, including 10 quality starts.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Busch has taken another step forward in his development this year, which has included raising his on-base percentage by nearly 40 points.

The Smokies had a 7-3 lead after five innings, but the Blue Wahoos chipped away against the bullpen to cut the deficit to 7-6 heading to the ninth. A.J. Puckett was summoned from the bullpen to get the save, but he got rocked four four runs on five hits over his inning. All four runs scored after two outs. Puckett did not walk or strike anyone out.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/cubs as Cubs Release Positive Injury Updates on Pair of Important Pitchers. Jed Hoyer has repeatedly stated the Chicago Cubs are looking to add pitching.

As the trade deadline nears, the Cubs and White Sox are in different modes, with one buying and the other selling. Could they work out a deal?

Hodge has been on the shelf since July 9 due to a right shoulder impingement, but he's been cleared to start a rehab assignment. It's unclear how many rehab appearances he'll require, but Hodge should rejoin the Cubs in the near future.

Iowa Cubs outfielder Owen Caissie was picked to play in the All-Star Futures Game for the second-straight season. News Sports Opinion Business Advertise Obituaries eNewspaper Legals. IOWA CUBS.