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The MLB All-Star break is officially in the rearview mirror, and all of the Chicago Cubs affiliates are back on the diamond, looking build momentum as the second half of the season continues.
CHICAGO CUBS (MLB): The Chicago Cubs are continuing their strong season, holding a 59-40 record as of July 20. They are tied for first place in the National League Central division with the Milwaukee Brewers. After the All-Star festivities, the Cubs hosted the Boston Red Sox for a weekend series and are set to begin a new series against the Kansas City Royals on July 21. Kyle Schwarber, a former member of the Cubs and Smokies, was named the MVP of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Looking ahead, it's expected that Ben Brown will return to the big-league club from Triple-A Iowa soon.
IOWA CUBS (Triple-A affiliate in Des Moines): The Iowa Cubs returned from the All-Star break to face the Columbus Clippers. As of July 21, the Iowa Cubs hold a 10-11 record in the second half of the International League season and hold fifth place in the standings. Cubs' No.1 prospect Owen Caissie continues to impress, recently earning the International League Player of the Week honor and participating in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game.
SOUTH BEND CUBS (High-A affiliate in South Bend, Indiana): The South Bend Cubs hosted the Beloit Sky Carp for a weekend series. As of July 20, the South Bend Cubs have a second-half record of 11-13 and are in fourth place in the Midwest West league standings. Pitcher Yenrri Rojas had a solid outing in South Bend's July 20 loss, tossing six innings and allowing just one run.
MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS (Single-A affiliate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina): The Pelicans recently played a three-game set against the Augusta GreenJackets. They put on an impressive display July 20 with a dominant 14-2 victory over the GreenJackets that featured an 11-run seventh inning. That pushed the Pelicans to the front of the Carolina League South North in the second half with a 17-6 record. Ty Southisene, Alexey Lumpuy, Jose Escobar and Owen Ayers each contributed two RBIs in that outburst, showcasing a strong offensive showing.
The Knoxville Smokies concluded their All-Star rest and plunged back into a crucial three-game series against the Birmingham Barons. The Barons swept the weekend series against the visiting Smokies.
The biggest news came with the promotion of the Cubs' No. 3 prospect Jefferson Rojas from South Bend. The 20-year-old shortstop batted .278 with 70 hits and 44 RBIs in 67 appearances for the South Bend Cubs. Rojas played all three games for the Smokies and recorded a hit in each outing, showing a seamless transition to Double-A play.
Southern League North Standings, Second Half (as of July 21):
Birmingham Barons: 14-7 (.667)
Knoxville Smokies: 10-11 (.476), 4 GB
Chattanooga Lookouts: 9-11 (.450), 4.5 GB
Rocket City Trash Pandas: 8-13 (.381), 6 GB
The Smokies will be back at Covenant Health Park for a home series July 22-27 against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Upcoming promotions include "Christmas in July" on July 25, which will feature a winter wonderland theme, specialty jerseys and post-game fireworks.
Knox News reporter Gabriel Jackson covers One Knox SC and the Knoxville Smokies. Email: gabriel.jackson@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Smokies swept by Barons, prepare to face Blue Wahoos with new faces
