Cubs Minor League Weekend Recap: Knoxville Misses Playoffs, Iowa Struggles Without Key Stars

[Billy Reich]

Cubs Affiliate Overview (September 13 – September 14)

• Triple-A Iowa Cubs
  Series at Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates): Loss 2-4
  Season Record: 73-70

• Double-A Tennessee Smokies
  Series at Montgomery Biscuits (Tampa Bay Rays): Win 4-2
  Season Record: 69-67

• High-A South Bend Cubs
  2025 Season Record: 56-75

• Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans
  Regular Season Record: 68-60 ; Lost Divisional Series 0-2

Triple-A Iowa Cubs

Season Record: 73-70
Series Opponent: at Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Series Standing: Loss 4-2

September 13: The Cubs lost to the Indians on Saturday by a score of 5-2. Jaxon Wiggins made another shortened start, going 2 ⅔, allowing one run on four hits while striking out four batters. Wiggins has continued to look at home in Triple-A in his limited action, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back at the level to start next season. It’s been a minute, but bullpen games are back in Iowa. Luke Little, Eli Morgan, Ryan Brasier, and Riley Martin combined to pitch 4 ⅓ innings of one run ball in relief. It was veteran Zach Pop who let up most of the damage, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks in his one inning of work.

The offense didn’t do nearly enough to pick up the pitching staff, scoring just two runs on five hits. Rafael Morel (0-for-2, two BB) got the Cubs on the board by scoring off a fielding error to bring the deficit to one. Dixon Machado (1-for-3) drove in the team's second run with an RBI single in the eighth to drive in Billy Hamilton.

September 14: The Cubs got blanked by the Indians and dropped the series on Sunday with a 4-0 loss. Starter Will Sanders came close to a quality start, pitching five innings and allowing three runs on three hits, adding on four strikeouts and walking none. Despite the decent start, Sanders picked up his third loss of the season as the Cubs weren’t able to get a run on the board.

The offense put up just five hits and zero runs in the contest. Carlos Perez (1-for-3, BB) came closest with a double in the third inning, but things were quiet from there. Rafael Morel—who was called up to Iowa last week—put up the only multi-hit performance of the day, going 2-for-3.

Double-A Tennessee Smokies

Season Record: 69-67
Series Opponent: at Montgomery Biscuits (Tampa Bay Rays)
Series Standing: Win 4-2

September 13: The Smokies baked the Biscuits on Saturday, 7-4. Erian Rodriguez took the mound and pitched 4 ⅔ innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, walking two while striking out three. A rocky performance for a surging Rodriguez, but he kept his composure and limited the damage despite the crowded basepaths. Mitchell Tyranski picked up the win for his relief appearance, going 1 ⅓, allowing no runs on just one hit and striking out three batters to stop the bleeding.

The offense was efficient, scoring seven runs on seven hits. Jaylen Palmer (2-for-4) set the tone early with a solo home run in the top of the first inning to put the Smokies up 1-0. After going down 2-1, BJ Murray Jr. (1-for-3) scores on a bases loaded walk to tie the game. Andy Garriola (1-for-4) capitalized on the moment, launching a grand slam to left field, putting the Cubs up 6-2. Jordan Nwogu (2-for-4) joined the party in the sixth, homering on a line drive to left field, his third bomb of the season.

September 14: The Smokies season came to an end with a 7-3 loss against the Biscuits. Yenrri Rojas struggled, allowing six runs in just four innings of work. He gave up six hits, two walks, and two home runs. He managed to strike out four but left the ball in the zone too often, leading to major damage. Yenrri has made major strides this season, and despite closing out the year on a rough outing, he’ll garner attention to see if he can continue his ascension next season.

The offense went just as quietly in the final game, scoring three runs on just two hits compared to their 11 strikeouts. Brett Bateman (1-for-3) scored on a sac fly in the top of the fourth, but the team couldn’t keep the momentum going as they went down 1-5. Andy Garriola (1-for-2) kept his hot streak going, launching a two-run home run in the top of the seventh to make it 3-5. That was the last of the action as the team would ultimately go quietly into the offseason.

Unfortunately, despite a much improved second half of ball, the Smokies missed the playoffs.

High-A South Bend Cubs

2025 Season Record: 56-75

South Bend’s season ended on September 7th.

Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Season Record: 68-60 ; Divisional Series 0-2

Myrtle Beach’s season ended after being swept in the divisional playoff series on September 11.

Notable Promotions / Injury Notes

• CF Billy Hamilton assigned to Iowa Cubs from ACL Cubs

• Chicago Cubs optioned RF Kevin Alcántara to Iowa Cubs

• Chicago Cubs recalled RF Owen Caissie from Iowa Cubs

• Chicago Cubs recalled RF Kevin Alcántara from Iowa Cubs

• Iowa Cubs activated RHP Will Sanders

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