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Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
National
Maddie Lee

Pitch clock surprises Cubs’ Drew Smyly: ‘I didn’t think it was going to be an issue’

Drew Smyly Cubs Brewers Tucker Barnhart Tyler Naquin Yan Gomes
Cubs starter Drew Smyly throws before the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photos)

MARYVALE, Ariz. – Cubs left-hander Drew Smyly shook to a couple pitches before he got the one he wanted. Then, he glanced at the pitch clock. It had already counted down to 1 second. Smyly’s head dropped and shoulders slumped. 

Automatic ball. He started the at-bat down 1-0 to Brewers hitter Tyler Naquin. 

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