CUBS POSTGAME: Chicago Cubs WIN SERIES vs Rays & Michael Conforto HEATING UP! | CHGO Cubs Podcast

CHGO Chicago Cubs Podcast59mApril 9, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

After a devastating blow with Cade Horton's season-ending injury, the Chicago Cubs responded with a crucial series win against the Rays, rallying from rock bottom to go 6-6 on the season. The podcast highlights how pitchers Colin Ray and Javier Assad stepped up in the absence of the team's top starters, delivering dominant performances that stabilized the rotation. The offense, particularly Michael Conforto, showed signs of life with a key bases-clearing double, while Nico Horner’s hot start at leadoff—hitting .333 with a home run and multiple RBIs—has sparked optimism about the team’s offensive identity. With Seiya Suzuki returning from injury, the Cubs now have a chance to rebuild momentum at Wrigley Field, where the Friday 120 Club will kick off the homestand. The hosts debate lineup decisions, with strong arguments for keeping Horner at the top of the order and integrating Suzuki into the middle of the lineup. Despite concerns about bullpen usage and the need for more pitching depth, the team’s ability to respond to adversity is seen as a hallmark of their resilience. The episode ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing that the season is long and every series matters. The Cubs’ immediate future hinges on maintaining this momentum. Key takeaways include the importance of offensive consistency beyond home runs, the value of a strong leadoff hitter like Horner, and the need to balance player development with roster flexibility.

Key Takeaways
1

Nico Horner is hitting .333 with a leadoff home run and has a 16.7% walk rate, making him the ideal leadoff hitter for the Cubs.

2

Michael Conforto has turned his season around with a bases-clearing double and is no longer a candidate for DFA after a strong two-game stretch.

3

The Cubs’ offense is sixth in barrel rate and third in hard-hit rate, indicating they’re hitting the ball hard despite low home run totals.

4

Seiya Suzuki’s return is critical—his elite bat and ability to drive in runs make him a key piece in the middle of the lineup.

5

Colin Ray and Javier Assad delivered dominant performances against left-handed hitters, with Ray holding lefties to 1-for-9 and zero barrels.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Cubs Rally After Cade Horton Injury

I think I'll take it right now. FL100Bears in the live YouTube channel says, stack them and rack them. Yeah, that's true. I like it.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

Horner’s Leadoff Surge and Offensive Identity

Nico Horner has got a walk percentage of 16.7% right now. I'm not saying it stays in that number, Justin. But if Nico Horner gives you a 10 to 12% walk percentage, that's Sayasuzuki. That's Michael Bush. That's Ian Happ. Those are lead off type numbers from Nico Horner.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Conforto’s Redemption Arc

He's looked pretty good the past two games. Credit where credit is due. I'm just very tentative to do a big apology segment on him because I did one for Ian Happ. I was kind of forced to do an apology for Ian Happ. Yeah, oh yeah, we forced him.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

The Return of Seiya Suzuki and Lineup Implications

He's an elite bat. When he's right, he's an elite bat, and he makes everybody better. As we're doing our lineup configurations, I know Joey and I, I think we said ours, he's our cleanup hitter, right? I don't know where he is for you, Luke, but definitely middle of the order for you.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

Bullpen Concerns and Palencia’s Role

I want Daniel Palencia to pitch more often than three out of 12 games. I do too, but don't you want him fresh and pitching in September every day.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
He's an elite bat. When he's right, he's an elite bat, and he makes everybody better. As we're doing our lineup configurations, I know Joey and I, I think we said ours, he's our cleanup hitter, right? I don't know where he is for you, Luke, but definitely middle of the order for you.
Joey37:14
Viral: 88.0
Horner has got a walk percentage of 16 .7 right now. I'm not saying it stays in that number, Justin. But if Nico Horner gives you a 10 to 12 walk percentage, that's Sayasuzuki. That's Michael Bush. That's Ian Happ. Those are lead off type numbers from Nico Horner.
Joey29:35
Viral: 85.0
right. We are giving away an autograph signed Sammy Sosa jersey presented by Game Day Men's Health. You can enter to win that and you better show up or else Luke's going to win it.
Joey9:00
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Hosts

Justin RomanJoey
Topics Discussed
seiya suzuki return95%cubs series win92%nico horner leadoff90%michael conforto performance88%friday 120 club87%cubs bullpen usage85%cubs pitching rotation83%cubs offensive stats80%
People & Brands

cubs

other

120xPositive

nico horner

person

45xPositive

michael conforto

person

38xPositive

seiya suzuki

person

32xPositive

daniel palencia

person

28xPositive

colin ray

person

25xPositive

javier assad

person

22xPositive

cade horton

person

18xNegative

friday 120 club

other

15xPositive

almost home tavern

place

12xPositive

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