Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, an Oakland native, expressed mixed emotions during the first major league series at Sutter Health Park, home of the Oakland Athletics for the next three seasons. The Cubs defeated the A's 18-3, showcasing their offensive prowess with a historic performance from catcher Carson Kelly, who completed the first cycle for the Cubs since Mark Grace in 1993.

Hoerner emphasized the importance of sports to the Oakland community, lamenting the loss of the A's, Raiders, and Warriors, which he believes has left fans reeling. Despite the Cubs' commanding win, he was hopeful about the atmosphere at the A's home opener, stating that the region has a rich baseball history. Players faced unique challenges in the new park, including WiFi issues and a drone interruption, which added to the quirks of the opening day.

Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson is making waves with his use of the Marucci “torpedo” bat, designed to enhance contact and improve batting performance. Swanson, alongside teammate Nico Hoerner, has adopted this unique bat, which features a bulkier barrel aimed at increasing the sweet spot. After testing it during spring training, Swanson has seen success, hitting home runs in consecutive games, showcasing its potential in live play.

Hitting coach Dustin Kelly noted the Cubs' awareness of the bat's capabilities and suggested that while the torpedo bat doesn't break any regulations, it could offer a crucial edge for hitters. Swanson emphasizes the importance of data supporting the bat's effectiveness, suggesting that innovation in equipment could help batters keep pace with advancing pitching techniques. The Cubs appear to be at the forefront of this experimentation, encouraging players to assess new tools that could benefit their performance.

Nico Hoerner's determination to return for the Chicago Cubs domestic opener in Arizona paid off as he made a successful comeback after undergoing right flexor tendon surgery last October. In their first game back, Hoerner contributed significantly with two hits, an RBI, and a run scored in a 10-6 victory against the Diamondbacks. Despite the challenges of rehab and a cautious approach to his playing time, his performance highlighted not only his skill but also his work ethic and commitment to the team. Manager Craig Counsell praised Hoerner for his focus and tenacity, acknowledging that his early absence from the Tokyo series fueled his drive to excel upon return.

The Chicago Cubs showcased their young talent in a 10-6 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, with Miguel Amaya leading the charge by driving in five runs, matching his career high. Rookie Matt Shaw also made an impact, scoring three runs, while Pete Crow-Armstrong reached base twice and scored both times. Ian Happ contributed significantly with a two-run double and a solo home run, crucial for building their lead. Nico Hoerner returned from injury, reaching base three times and driving in a run, highlighting the importance of the younger players in this win.

Despite previous losses in the Tokyo Series, the Cubs maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of focusing on each game rather than the larger picture. Jed Hoyer acknowledged the team's playoff aspirations, underscoring that the current roster has the potential to compete effectively. This victory was vital to avoid an 0-3 start, a scenario the Cubs haven't faced since 1997. The players expressed their commitment to winning for one another and for Hoyer, as they navigate a season filled with high expectations.

Nico Hoerner is set to return to the Cubs' lineup as they resume the season, primarily at second base, but a full return to shortstop may take up to a month. Cubs manager Craig Counsell indicated that while Hoerner is recovering well from surgery, the team will prioritize patience with his development. Backup options at shortstop include Jon Berti, Vidal Brujan, and newcomer Gage Workman. Rookie Matt Shaw has shown impressive defensive skills at third base, which will be vital as the Cubs face a challenging schedule against playoff contenders.