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

The White Sox’ hottest hitter, Luis Robert Jr., was not in Friday's starting lineup due to adductor soreness. Manager Will Venable is hoping he returns Saturday for Game 2 against the Cubs. “He

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.

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.

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.

Assad (oblique) tossed three scoreless innings for the Cubs ' Arizona Complex League affiliate Thursday. He allowed one hit and struck out six.

Jed Hoyer has repeatedly stated the Chicago Cubs are looking to add pitching. Bullpen arms and a starting pitcher seems to be at the top of their priority list

White Sox pitcher Adrian Houser might or might not be on the Cubs’ radar. But the idea of Houser facing a Cubs team that possibly could acquire him at the trade deadline added a little spice to Friday’s opener of the City Series at Rate Field.

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.