The Latest Breaking News from PJ Higgins

He reached base in all five of his plate appearances Sunday with three walks and two singles. He also scored two runs and drove in one.

Torrens’ offensive production slipped this past season, but since being non-tendered by the Mariners in November, he’s put together a strong showing in the Venezuelan Winter League.

Charlie Blackmon busted his slump in a big way.

CHICAGO — If anyone expected a great outcry from players after Major League Baseball announced major rule changes for 2023 on Friday — a pitcher’s clock, enlarged bases and severe restrictions on defensive shifts — well, just take the temperature of P.J. Higgins’ reaction as an example.

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs’ recent stretch of winning series is about to be tested.

Cubs first baseman P.J. Higgins provided the bulk of the Cubs’ scoring Wednesday with a two-run home run.

Smyly took a shutout into the seventh inning, and the bullpen preserved it. Smyly retired 11 batters in a row at one point and earned his first victory at Wrigley with the Cubs.

As the Cubs try to pull themselves out of their latest abyss, there are painful reminders that the smallest shortcomings can prove costly.

An 11-8 stretch has been a pleasure and a pick-me-up — even if it doesn’t mean much with the Aug. 2 trade deadline looming and the Cubs all but certain to toy with fans’ emotions again.