Chicago Sports

PHOENIX – The Cubs made a game-time decision Sunday, placing shortstop Nico Hoerner on the 10-day injured list with a right ankle sprain and activating shortstop Andrelton Simmons from the IL.

Hoerner sprained his ankle in a collision with an umpire Wednesday in San Diego. He said he’s been making progress each day since. On Saturday and Sunday, he tested his injury with light pregame drills. 

“All of that stuff is going to give us some information,” Ross said during Hoerner’s pregame work. “… We’ll see what kind of report I get from the trainers.” 

About an hour before game time, the Cubs announced the move. Hoerner was heading to the IL, retroactive to Thursday. 

Simmons joins the active roster for the first time this season, after signing with the Cubs this spring and starting the season on the 10-day IL with right shoulder inflammation. 

Simmons traveled to Arizona from a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa. He played six games with the I-Cubs, building up his workload. He went 2-for-24 at the plate. But he’s better known for his defensive prowess.

Simmons took ground balls at second base and shortstop before the game Sunday. Cubs bench coach Andy Green, asked after hitting fungos how Simmons looked, simply said: “He’s Andrelton Simmons. It’s go time.” 

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Hear ye, hear ye!

Hall-of-Famer Fergie Jenkins’ statue will be unveiled Friday at Gallagher Way outside Wrigley Field. Marquee Network will carry the ceremony live beginning at 11:30 a.m. before the Cubs host the Diamondbacks.

“I’ve seen the finished product,” Jenkins, 79, said from home in Frisco, Texas, “and I’m pretty excited.”

Jenkins — a 284-game winner who won 167 with the Cubs — was there when statues honoring former teammates Ernie Banks (in 2008), Billy Williams (2010) and Ron Santo (2011) made their Wrigley debuts. All three pieces have since been moved to a “Statue Row” off Clark Street, and now they can scoot over to make room for an old pal.

“It’s pretty humbling to have a statue in your image,” Jenkins said.

And here’s a little bit of inside news, courtesy of Jenkins: He’ll be introduced by a town crier. Yes, a real one. In a feathered hat and decked out in 1800s English livery, George Sims will trumpet a formal announcement. What’s so special about that? Sims is the town crier of Chatham-Kent — the Canadian burgh in Southwestern Ontario where Jenkins grew up — and has been a friend of the big right-handers for nearly half a century.

The current Cubs could use a nice day, and this will be a nice day no matter what happens inside the stadium.

“I think it’s a tribute to an organization, a team and a ballplayer and what you have to do to be successful,” Jenkins said. “Nothing comes easy in baseball, believe me.”

And here’s what’s happening:

MON 16

Pirates at Cubs (6:40 p.m., Marquee)

The Cubs are having a rough go of it, but give them credit for pulling off something long thought impossible: looking up at the Pirates in the standings.

White Sox at Royals (7:10 p.m., NBCSCH)

What a relief to be in Kansas City after that harrowing four-game series against the Yankees. Five games in four days? Hey, it might even be kind of fun.

TUE 17

NBA draft lottery (7 p.m., ESPN)

Considering Chicago is hosting this thing, shouldn’t the Bulls get at least one stinkin’ ping-pong ball? The Rockets, Magic and Pistons each have a 14% chance of landing the No. 1 pick.

Bucks/Celtics at Heat, Game 1 (7:30 p.m., ESPN)

Miami’s Jimmy Butler has his best opportunity yet to win that elusive first championship. If he has to rub a few people the wrong way to do it, guess what? It’s all good.

Lightning at Panthers, Game 1 (TBD)

Something tells us the defending two-time champs aren’t the least bit scared even though the Panthers piled up the most points in the league. Having his best season yet, Bolts star Auston Matthews looks to cement his status as the “Florida man.”

Blues at Avalanche, Game 1 (TBD)

Colorado absolutely dominated St. Louis in a first-round sweep last season, but then failed to get out of the second round for the third year in a row. Denver is counting on Russell Wilson — oops, Nathan MacKinnon — to finally get it right.

WED 18

Fire at Red Bulls (6:30 p.m., Ch. 9)

Watch out for Lewis Morgan, who already has a hat trick under his belt in his first season in New York. The entire Fire team has scored three goals in a game only once.

Sky at Storm (9 p.m., Marquee, Amazon Prime)

Always-formidable Seattle is just 1-3, but the record gets tossed in the trash the moment Breanna Stewart gets out of COVID-19 protocol. 

THU 19

White Sox at Royals (1:10 p.m., NBCSCH)

It’s the finale of a five-game series the Sox went into absolutely needing to have some real success. Anything less and it’s officially time to worry.

FRI 20

“Cubs Live! Fergie Day Special” (11:30 a.m., Marquee)

Jenkins has his statue ceremony — and hopefully some very cooperative weather — with live coverage leading into the Cubs-Diamondbacks game.

White Sox at Yankees (6:05 p.m., NBCSCH)

For crying out loud, the Bombers again already? We could swear these teams faced each other just a New York minute ago.

SAT 21

Diamondbacks at Cubs (1:20 p.m., Marquee)

Look, we’re not trying to get anyone overly excited here, but the Cubs’ home record on Saturdays this season is a scintillating 2-1.

SUN 22

PGA Championship, final round (noon, Ch. 2)

This major event is back at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the first time since 2007, when some cat by the name of Tiger Woods put a second-round 63 on the board en route to victory. 

Sky at Mystics (2 p.m., Ch. 7)

Ever since Elena Della Donne got back on the court, it’s as if the Mystics have achieved a higher state of consciousness. OK, fine, they’re just winning more often.

White Sox at Yankees (6:08 p.m., ESPN)

It’s “Sunday Night Baseball” and, hate to tell you, but Alex Rodriguez is off the main broadcast team and doing a simulcast on ESPN2. What the heck are we supposed to complain about now?

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Left-hander Dallas Keuchel’s second consecutive impressive start Saturday night validated the trust the White Sox have shown in him after a wobbly three-game stretch.

The offense, meanwhile, continues to rely on the likes of Tim Anderson, Luis Robert and Gavin Sheets while waiting for Yoan Moncada, Jose Abreu and Yasmani Grandal to regain a semblance of their past production.

Moncada stepped up with a 424-foot home run off left-hander Jordan Montgomery in the fourth inning, and his walk in the ninth set the stage for a dramatic 3-2 victory that snapped the Yankees’ five-game winning streak.

Anderson drew a walk off Aroldis Chapman and advanced on the walk by Moncada.

Robert followed with a single to right past a diving first baseman Anthony Rizzo to ignite a wild celebration.

Earlier, the lack of offense caught up to the Sox in the top of the ninth inning against closer Liam Hendricks, who was summoned initially to get a five-out save.

After missing the first five weeks because of a right oblique strain, the switch-hitting Moncada is getting closer to full strength, as evidenced by his second home run in three games.

But until Robert’s hit, that was the extent of the Sox’s offense, which was 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and 2-for-18 in that category over its last two games until his game-winning hit.

Despite Keuchel’s sterling five-inning effort, there was no margin for error. That was evident in the eighth inning when three consecutive well-placed singles off Joe Kelly cut the lead in half and caused manager Tony La Russa to summon Hendricks with the tying and winning runs on base.

Hendriks struck out Josh Donaldson and Gleyber Torres to end the threat, but the Yankees quickly tied the game in the ninth on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Higashioka.

After allowing 25 runs in its last two losses, Keuchel provided instant relief.

“We’re a team, and everybody covers for everybody else,’ La Russa said before the game. “Like (Friday), there was late scoring, just like the first game when we give up 15 runs. That’s an ugly number, but the answer is, and it’s the way it’s supposed to be, you don’t disrespect.

“The only time you have a problem is if you don’t think a pitcher is trying or a hitter is trying, and you handle that like you would in a family. If a son or daughter shows up late, you don’t call the other person and (tell them). You handle it internally. We haven’t begun to be close to that because guys are trying.”

Abreu snapped an 0-for-21 slump with a single but popped to second with runners on first and third to end the seventh. Grandal went hitless in four at-bats and 1 for his last 15. 

Anderson and Robert provided instant support for Keuchel in the first with singles that accounted for the first run. Robert’s RBI single off Montgomery capped a 10-pitch at-bat and extended his hitting streak to 12 games, but that was the extent of the Sox’s clutch hitting. Even Anderson grounded into a double play with runners at first and second to end the fourth.

Fortunately for the Sox, Keuchel has allowed two runs over his last 11 innings and recently has shown a knack for working out of jams. He stranded Giancarlo Stanton after allowing a leadoff double in the second.

Keuchel issued a pair of two-out walks to DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Judge to load the bases in the fifth, but he induced Rizzo to ground to second to end the threat.

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During the early days of the season, the Fire looked like one of Major League Soccer’s most improved teams. Under coach Ezra Hendrickson, the Fire seemingly had established themselves as one of the league’s stingiest defenses and got off to the franchise’s best start since 2009.

But things have changed following a March 19 win over Sporting Kansas City. The Fire’s defense has fallen off, the attack has been too quiet and injuries and disciplinary issues have taken their toll, leading to a six-game winless streak in league play plus a humbling US Open Cup elimination at the hands of third-division Union Omaha.

Those poor results continued in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to FC Cincinnati.

Facing a Cincinnati team that’s perhaps the biggest surprise in MLS, the Fire didn’t help their own cause. Captain Raael Czichos, back from a one-game suspension he served during the Fire’s 4-1 loss at Atlanta United, gave Cincinnati the lead with a 33rd-minute own goal when his attempted headed clearance popped over Gabriel Slonina after the Fire goalkeeper strayed too far from his net.

Jhon Duran headed in a Xherdan Shaqiri corner kick for his first goal with the Fire, tying the match in the 83rd minute. 

Instead of building off that score, the Fire handed Cincinnati another goal. Two minutes later, a Slonina giveaway led to Luciano Acosta’s game-winner, extending the Fire’s MLS losing streak to four. 

At least the Fire had some significant reinforcements Saturday that made them a little more complete.

Starting on the left wing, Chris Mueller made his first Fire start and showed why he’s earned a pair of US national team appearances, forcing a 45th-minute save by Cincinnati goalie and Naperville native Roman Celentano. Still recovering from a left hip issue, young designated player Jairo Torres debuted for the Fire and showed flashes after replacing Mueller in the 71st minute.

Mueller and Torres will be expected to add dynamic elements the Fire have needed out wide.

“I think they will help improve our attacking, which we all know has been lacking, and we need to get better at,” Hendrickson said Wednesday. “But also, these guys’ work off the ball is very, very good, too. We don’t ask much of our wingers as far as defensively. They have specific, defined roles. But these guys are willing to put in the work off the ball, also.They just bring a lot of quality to the team, which is going to help us in training, making [training] more intense and then which in turn helps us on game days.”

Beyond the Fire’s recent struggles entering Saturday’s contest that dropped them to a 23% chance per FiveThirtyEight to make the playoffs, the game was important because of the upcoming schedule. Their next three matches are away from home, beginning Wednesday at the New York Red Bulls.

On Wednesday, Hendrickson said the Fire weren’t looking ahead to that road swing but recognized the significance of Saturday’s match, albeit for another reason.

“I just want to say this is a very important game for us,” Hendrickson said. “We have taken a skid. We have been on a bit of a skid recently, and we just need to get back to our way of playing where we are difficult to break down, we are difficult to score [against], and then continue to improve on the attacking side of things because the last three or four games or so have not been really good for us.”

Saturday’s result wasn’t any better.

NOTE: Kacper Przybylko (back) missed his third consecutive match. Chinonso Offor once again took Przybylko’s spot in the first 11.

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PHOENIX – Entering the second of three games against the Diamondbacks this weekend, Cubs catcher Willson Contreras led his team in most hitting categories. 

“This is as good as I may have ever seen Willson,” Cubs manager David Ross said this weekend. “The last series [against the Padres] I thought he carried us offensively, he was the tone setter whenever we were going through a little bit of a lull. It seemed like his spot jump-started things when he got back up there.”

Contreras’ future with the Cubs is uncertain as he plays out his final year of club control with no apparent movement on extension talks. He has the added distraction of an arbitration hearing scheduled for June 9, a quirk of this post-lockout season. 

“He’s been great,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said of the way Contreras has handled the situation. “I think everyone kind of deals with that differently. … But he’s been playing great and getting on base. His offensive game is as strong as I’ve seen him.”

The past two weeks, it’s been as strong as anyone’s. Contreras entered Saturday batting .433 since April 30, the highest batting average in MLB in that span. And at least to start the season, Contreras’ strikeout rate has dramatically improved, from 28.6 percent last season to 17.7 percent to start this year. 

“It’s a really long season to pay attention to stats because when you have few at-bats, they can go way up, they can go way down,” Contreras said. “But I have noticed that I’ve been making more contact than years before, and that’s something that I worked on during my offseason.”

Specifically, he concentrated on being short to the ball. 

Again, numbers can shift dramatically over the course of a season, but in 113 plate appearances, Contreras was making contact on 81.2 percent of pitches in the strike zone entering Saturday, up from 76.9 percent last season, according to Statcast. 

Plus, he’s hitting the ball hard. Contreras was on pace for his highest average exit velocity (93.9 mph) since Statcast began tracking in 2015. 

“Everybody’s throwing 97, 99 [mph],” he said. “And we’ve been facing really tough pitching, and with that type of pitching my mindset is just to make contact, whatever happens after that is going to happen.”

Contreras reiterated several times this spring that his focus was on competing every day, not on his contract or trade speculation. 

Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo said something similar last year, but when asked about putting contact uncertainty behind him, he told reporters in Chicago this week, “I didn’t realize how much of a burden it was.”

Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant, who went through the same process with the Cubs last year, told the Sun-Times in Spring Training that he didn’t think Contreras needed any advice.

‘He’s going to go out there and play with heart and passion, and I’m sure he won’t even think about it the whole year,” Bryant said. “That’s just who Willson is. That’s why he’s fun to play with.’’

From what Ross has observed, that’s exactly what Contreras has done.

“I think he knows he’s going to be a really good major-league player for a really long time, he’s gonna make a lot of money,” Ross said. “And he’s just focused on helping support his teammates and having a really good season and have fun playing baseball. And I’ve seen that pretty much every day.”

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PHOENIX – The Cubs’ probable pitching list has been littered with TBDs the past week, but on Saturday, the Cubs filled in the latest. 

Cubs lefty Justin Steele is scheduled to start in the Cubs’ series finale against the Diamondbacks on Sunday. Steele last pitched a week ago, leaving the game after the fourth inning with left thumb soreness. 

“We try not to wait too long to get these guys in but also [wanted to] make sure his thumb felt good,” Cubs manager David Ross said Saturday. 

Too many days between starts means a risk of “rust,” as Ross puts it. He pointed to Drew Smyly’s start last week against the Dodgers, which was pushed back when he went on the bereavement list. 

Smyly allowed three runs, two earned, in 4 ⅓ innings against the Dodgers. Then on Friday at Arizona, with five days between starts, he threw six innings for the first time this season. 

Steele started feeling the thumb soreness throwing his slider in the fourth inning of his start last week against the Dodgers. He said he threw that pitch in his bullpen Friday, and it didn’t give him any issues. 

“He did a really nice job his last start against a really good team until that thumb stuff popped up,” Ross said. “So, continue to build off that, pound the strike zone, no free passes, knowing how to handle those moments I think is really important for his development and to keep getting better.”

Veteran lefty Wade Miley was the Cubs’ other option to start on Sunday after making his season debut on Tuesday. The Cubs have yet to announce their probable starters for their next series, at home against the Pirates, but starting Miley on Sunday would give him five days between starts. 

The Cubs still don’t have a timeline for the return of right-hander Marcus Stroman or reliever David Robertson. The team placed both on the injured list without a designation, which usually means a COVID-19 related move. 

“I know they’re playing catch together,” Ross said, “so I think they’re feeling a bit better.”

‘I think he’ll come back strong’

The Cubs are expecting a lengthy absence for 2020 first-round draft pick Ed Howard, who sustained a serious hip injury trying to avoid a tag running to first base earlier this week.

“Obviously, there’s never good timing for an injury like that,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Saturday. “But it’s a shame, he worked so incredibly hard this winter, he got stronger than anyone at our camp this winter, and you look at his exit velocities, he brought his strikeout rate down, he’s been playing his typical good defense. It’s a shame that his season’s going to be cut short.”

Howard, the Cubs’ No. 14 prospect as ranked by mlb.com, was on a hot streak when he sustained the injury, batting . 333 over his past nine games.  

“But he’ll work hard, and the attitude has been really good despite the fact that he’s really bummed out about the injury,” Hoyer said. “… I think he’ll come back strong.” 

Nuts and bolts

Cubs shortstop Nico Hoerner (right ankle sprain) “tested the waters,” as he put it, on Saturday, taking some easy ground balls in the outfield before Saturday’s game. Outfielder Seiya Suzuki returned to the starting lineup Saturday after tweaking his ankle on a base Monday at San Diego. He pinch hit once between the injury and Saturday.

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White Sox manager Tony La Russa said he thinks right-hander Lucas Giolito might be able to return to the rotation sooner than thought, which would provide short- and long-term benefits for the team’s upcoming eight-game trip.

‘‘As of Saturday, it appears that he’ll be able to pitch one of those games,’’ La Russa said, referring to a five-game series starting Monday against the Royals in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Sox haven’t named a starter for the series opener or for one of the games of the doubleheader Tuesday. Right-hander Dylan Cease will start one of the games Tuesday, leaving a scenario that could target Giolito for Monday or Tuesday, pending two negative COVID-19 tests.

The Sox are expected to purchase the contract of right-hander Johnny Cueto from Triple-A Charlotte and start him Monday or Tuesday, pending Giolito’s status.

The Sox already have projected right-hander Vince Velasquez and left-hander Dallas Keuchel to start the final two games of the series Wednesday and Thursday.

Should Giolito return for the front end of the series against the Royals, he would be on schedule to face the Yankees next weekend at Yankee Stadium.

Giolito pitched seven innings of one-run ball Tuesday against the Guardians and has allowed one run or fewer in three of his five starts.

Extra wait no Bummer

Left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer admitted a switch that requires pitchers to stay on the injured list for at least 15 days instead of 10 has reduced the urge to accelerate his recovery from a strained right knee.

‘‘I kind of make the joke I wish I would have gotten hurt five days sooner or something, so I would have been on the 10-day [IL], compared to the 15,’’ said Bummer, who is eligible to return next Sunday.

‘‘It’s definitely something to where we can be safe. It’s not only to make sure that the leg, the knee, that everything is good there, [but] it gives my arm a break to hopefully be able to keep going. It’s just an overall good reset. It’s good for the rest of the season.’’

Bummer appeared in a career-high 62 games last season and had appeared in 12 this season before feeling pain that he said has subsided since he went on the IL.

Bummer is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday.

Progress for Lynn

Right-hander Lance Lynn’s recovery from surgery on his right knee has advanced to the point where La Russa thinks he might be able to rejoin the rotation by late May or early June. That window originally was targeted for Lynn to be on a rehab assignment.

‘‘I think after another [bullpen session] or two, he’s going to start facing hitters,’’ La Russa said. ‘‘That would be a lift. He’s a big stalwart. In the meantime, you play with what you’ve got. We’re going to do that.’’

La Russa was more cautious about the potential return of slugger Eloy Jimenez, who has displayed remarkable mobility since having surgery April 26 to repair a tendon in his right hamstring.

‘‘Everybody believes his progress is really impressive,’’ La Russa said. ‘‘But there is a certain buildup in the muscle that has to happen, and you just can’t fast-forward that.’’

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As a quizmaster, I draw my inspiration for our weekly get-togethers from varied sources. I was thinking about crafting something interesting for you last Saturday as I watched the Cubs lose two to the Dodgers (on their way to being swept) and the Sox paired with the Sox at Fenway, scoring two in extra innings for their second consecutive win over Boston (on their way to a sweep).

Later that day, the Kentucky Derby, which often is referred to as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” took place, and I wish I had placed a $2 bet on Rich Strike. It was then that I realized that deuces were running wild, and voila . . . we’ve got a quiz theme.

With that in mind, we’re off to the races. Let’s get to the quiz.

1. Last season (that’s 2021, for those of you reading this in the future), who led the White Sox with the most games with exactly two hits?

a. Jose Abreu 

b. Tim Anderson

c. Yoan Moncada

d. Leury Garcia

2. Which of these players had the most career two-homer games for a Chicago team?

a. Paul Konerko

b. Billy Williams

c. Ernie Banks

d. Frank Thomas

3. We are always talking about no-hitters and one-hitters, but rarely does the topic of two-hitters cross our mind. That changes now. Since 1950, which Chicago pitcher has tossed the most complete-game two-hitters?

a. Early Wynn  

b. Fergie Jenkins

c. Ken Holtzman  

d. Billy Pierce

4. Here are three Chicago pitchers. Which of them hit two homers in a game (there may be more than one)?

a. Fergie Jenkins        

b. Gary Peters

c. Mark Buehrle         

d. Dixie Howell

5. Nico Hoerner wears No. 2 for the Cubs. In 2019, the Cubs had three (!) players wear No. 2. Who of the ­following did not?

a. Nico Hoerner

b. Carlos Gonzalez

c. Tommy La Stella

d. Mark Zagunis

6. Since 1901, who is the Chicago leader in career two-baggers (you know, doubles)?

a. Paul Konerko

b. Frank Thomas

c. Ryne Sandberg

d. Mark Grace

7. Only one Chicago player has had two seasons with 22 homers. Who is he?

a. Jose Abreu           

b. Moises Alou

c. Harold Baines        

d. Javy Baez

8. Two-strike hitting is an art. Who was the Chicago premier artist in 2021 (meaning who had the highest batting average with two strikes)?

a. Nick Madrigal

b. Luis Robert 

c. Frank Schwindel

d. Tim Anderson

9. Two-out hitting is such an important skill, particularly with runners in scoring position. In 2021, who led Chicago in RBI with two outs and RISP?

a. Patrick Wisdom       

b. Luis Robert

c. Frank Schwindel      

d. Jose Abreu

ANSWERS

1. Abreu had 31 games. Anderson was next with 30.

2. Konerko and Williams each had 28, but Banks had 38. Sammy Sosa had 59, but I don’t count his.

3. Pierce tossed seven, Wynn had six and Jenkins and Holtzman had four each. It won’t surprise you that, since 1950, Nolan Ryan threw the most with 18.

4. Jenkins was one of five Cubs pitchers with a two-homer game. Howell was the only White Sox pitcher to ever do it. Keeping with our theme, Howell hit his pair in the second game of a doubleheader on June 16, 1957. He was the second pitcher used, and he was the winner, evening his record at . . . you guessed it, 2-2.

5. La Stella wore it from 2016 to 2018. In 2019, he was wearing No. 9 for the Angels.

6. Thomas had 447 doubles, but Chicago’s leader is Grace with 456. Count me among those of you who were surprised.

7. In 1985 and 1996, Baines hit 22 dingers for the Sox.

8. Robert hit .286, going 34-for-119, to lead Chicago.

9. Jose, can you see him driving in those runs? Abreu had 33 RBI to lead Chicago. He was sixth in MLB.

Have a great week, and double down on the good things. Send me questions for and about the quiz: [email protected]. 

Check out Bill Chuck’s new book, ‘‘In Scoring Position: 40 Years of a Baseball Love Affair,’’ a love letter to the game of baseball from sports columnist Bob Ryan and our favorite baseball historian and statistician.

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Winger Chris Mueller is a local product whose career has had its ups and downs. Despite his Chicago-area roots, the Fire had only been a footnote in his life before he joined them on May 5.

A Schaumburg native, Mueller signed with the Palatine-based Sockers FC Chicago youth program when he was a grade-schooler. As he continued to develop, Mueller grew more and more loyal to Sockers FC, who gave his mother a job during a difficult time for the family and provided him with a place to display his talent and potential.

Meanwhile, the Fire weren’t heavily recruiting Mueller for their youth program, so he remained with Sockers FC.

“I had good interest from colleges, and I had a good platform for playing anyway,” Mueller said. “So I just stuck with the academy there.”

Indeed, Mueller had college options and spent four seasons at Wisconsin. Then during the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, the Fire had a chance to snag Mueller with the fifth overall choice but took attacker Jon Bakero.

Mueller was picked sixth by Orlando City.

“I definitely didn’t have any thoughts in my mind at the time like, ‘Oh, man, I can’t believe [the Fire] passed on me,’ ’’ Mueller said. “I was more just open to the whole thing. I had no idea when I was going to get picked, where I was going to get picked. I just kind of went with the flow, so it was no sweat off my back.”

While Mueller said he didn’t have any hard feelings about being snubbed by his hometown club, perhaps Fire fans did. Bakero never made an impact in MLS, while Mueller became a dangerous winger in Orlando, earned two caps with the U.S. national team and eventually transferred to Scottish side Hibernian FC.

Things in Scotland didn’t exactly go as planned for Mueller. He signed a pre-contract with Hibernian in July 2021, but by the time he joined in January, the manager he expected to play for had been dismissed.

That tumult wasn’t helpful. Mueller had one goal in 15 appearances and played a different role than he first anticipated. He also received a backhanded compliment from Hibernian executive Ben Kensell when the club announced his departure to the Fire.

“Chris has worked extremely hard in training since he arrived but has found it difficult to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Scottish Premiership, which has severely limited his game time,” Kensell said.

But, like with other experiences in his career, Mueller is taking his Scottish adventure in stride. He was immersed in another culture and learned about himself as a player and a person.

“It was a positive experience because of how I came out on this side now,” Mueller said.

The Fire are glad he came to Chicago. They hope his skill, speed and ability to stretch opposing defenses and latch on to long passes from Xherdan Shaqiri and Gaston Gimenez will ignite a flagging attack.

“We are very happy to have him, and he’s a great addition to the team,” coach Ezra Hendrickson said.

For somebody who grew up in the northwest suburbs, Mueller has traveled a lengthy path to reach Soldier Field.

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The White Sox certainly aren’t off to a rip-roaring start, but most people still expect them to eventually get into a sustained groove.

The Cubs are off to a discouraging start, and can anyone think of a reason it won’t continue?

In this week’s “Polling Place” — your home for Sun-Times sports polls on Twitter — we asked voters which is likelier, that the Sox will win 90 games or the Cubs will lose 90 games.

“Sox 94-68, Cubs 52-110,” @GorgeHoldcroft predicted.

We also asked which starter you’d pick for a must-win game: the Cubs’ Kyle Hendricks, the Sox’ Lucas Giolito or the Sox’ Dylan Cease.

“Gotta be honest,” @DanGoodwinIII wrote, “Cease is that dude. I would call on him.”

Finally, we asked in regard to the Bears, Blackhawks and Cubs: Which team is furthest from a championship?

“Is this a trick question?” @revot14 asked.

No tricks, just picks. On to the polls:

Poll No. 1: Which is likelier, that the White Sox will win 90 games or the Cubs will lose 90 games?

Upshot: The earlier 52-110 prediction for the Cubs seems overly dire, but this clearly is a losing team that was up against it in the talent department even before the injury list grew to outsized proportions. The Cubs will have to compete with all they’ve got — and then some — to stay within sniffing range of .500. Wait, did we say .500? We’re beginning to think we meant .400.

Poll No. 2: Must-win game tomorrow, and all three Chicago pitchers are on full rest. Who’s your starter?

Upshot: Anyone else a bit surprised that young Cease got the nod? The veteran Giolito has, after all, been solid as a rock for a few years now. Hendricks has had an excellent career and has invaluable postseason experience. Cease — a former Cubs prospect — has so much talent and lately has been putting it all together. Cracked @WhiteSox_UK: “Dylan Cease would run for president and I would vote for him.”

Poll No. 3: Which team is furthest from a championship?

Upshot: “The parity in this poll speaks volumes for the Chicago sports landscape,” according to @i_am_hoops, who makes, let’s face it, a sensible observation. But it’s the Hawks who win — sorry, lose — this one, and by a margin that could hardly be described as tight. Put it this way: It’s more like a 5-2 loss sealed by an empty netter than a 3-2 loss in an overtime shootout.

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