by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/15/2013) Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija picked up his first win since opening day in Wednesday's series finale against the Rockies. He allowed two runs on five hits over eight innings of work in a 6-3 victory.
The right-hander gave up a run in the second but helped his own cause by hitting a two-run homer off Jon Garland in the bottom half of the frame. His final damage came in the form of a Reid Brignac solo home run in the sixth.
Samardzija, who threw 105 pitches, also struck out seven and walked two while lowering his ERA to 3.49.
His next start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Pirates. When Samardzija faced Pittsburgh on April 1, he worked eight scoreless innings in a win.
Jeff Samardzija next in line for deal?
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/13/2013) With the Cubs having locked up Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo long-term, starter Jeff Samardzija appears to be next in line for an extension, MLB.com reports. The right-hander said during spring training that he wanted to discuss a deal after the season.
“I know they have a lot of things on their minds right now,” Samardzija said of the Cubs front office. “We have an understanding that we both want to be here, and both want me here, and that’s a great place to be. It’s up to me to do my job on the field.”
Samardzija has gone 1-5 with a 3.70 ERA through eight starts.
“I want my play to determine how everything goes down,” he said. “I have high expectations for myself and this team. That comes first. I feel everything after that will fall into line for me, personally.”
Losses mounting for Jeff Samardzija
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (5/10/2013) Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija lost his fifth decision in a row Friday night against the Nationals. Samardzija, whose lone win came in his first start of the year, allowed seven runs -- five earned -- on eight hits over just five innings, matching his shortest outing.
The right-hander surrendered a two-run home run off the bat of Ian Desmond in the fourth before being touched up again by Desmond for a run-scoring double in the fifth. He also served up an RBI double to Danny Espinosa in the frame and was pulled after throwing 73 pitches -- 50 strikes. He finished with five strikeouts and two walks.
Samardzija (1-5) will look to get back in the win column when he faces the Rockies Wednesday.
Bullpen blows win for Jeff Samardzija
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija (1-4) permitted two runs -- one earned -- and four hits over six innings during Chicago's 6-4 loss to Cincinnati on Saturday. The only run charged to Samardzija came on a solo homer by Shin-Soo Choo on the first pitch of the game as he trimmed his ERA to 3.09.
The right-hander was in line for his second victory of the season before Carlos Marmol surrendered four runs in the eighth inning, leaving Samardzija with a no-decision and extending his winless streak to six games. He struck out five batters and walked three -- the third straight outing he has issued at least three walks.
Samardzija will take the hill again Friday at Washington, a club he held to a .196 batting average last season while posting a 1-1 record and 1.15 ERA over two starts.
Jeff Samardzija Ks eight in no-decision
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/29/2013) Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija continued to rack up the strikeouts in his outing against the Padres on Monday night. He allowed three runs on four hits over five innings of work. The right-hander also struck out eight and walked four.
San Diego scored a run on a dropped third strike in the first for Samardzija's only damage over the first four frames. Then in the fifth, the 28-year-old gave up a two-run single to Yonder Alonso. He was done after throwing 101 pitches, 63 for strikes, and left with the game tied at 3-3.
Samardzija saw his ERA rise from 3.03 to 3.35 in the no-decision. He has 47 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings pitched.
His next start is scheduled for Saturday against the Reds. When Samardzija faced Cincinnati on April 24, he allowed one run over six innings in a loss.
Jeff Samardzija suffers cut
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/24/2013) Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija suffered a cut on a finger of his pitching hand during the first inning of his outing against the Reds on Wednesday but told MLB.com that it was a non-issue.
The right-hander was checked out by manager Dale Sveum and athletic trainer PJ Mainville but remained in the game.
“It got compressed a little bit and a little baby cut,” Samardzija said, downplaying the injury. “It was a little interesting. It wasn’t so much the feel of it but more so the liquid coming out of it than anything else. They let me pitch, which was good. Everything physically was fine. It was more aesthetic than anything else.”
Samardzija (1-4) is fully expected to make his next start, which is scheduled for Monday against the Padres. He went 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA in two starts against San Diego last season.
Jeff Samardzija strikes out eight in loss
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/24/2013) Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija struck out eight and allowed one run on seven hits over six innings but took the loss Wednesday against Cincinnati.
The Cubs were shutout by Mat Latos and the Reds bullpen and Samardzija fell to 1-4 despite a 3.03 ERA. The Cubs now have scored four runs or less in all five of Samardzija's appearances.
Jeff Samardzija drops third straight
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (4/20/2013) Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija lost his third-straight start Friday against the Brewers. Samardzija allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits over seven innings, including a three-run home run by Ryan Braun in the first. He also surrendered a solo shot to Carlos Gomez in the seventh.
Samardzija (1-3), who had four strikeouts and a walk, has a 3.38 ERA. The right-hander's next start is Wednesday at Cincinnati.
Rain pushes Cubs' rotation back
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/17/2013) With Wednesday's contest against the Rangers being postponed due to rain, the Cubs have pushed back their rotation.
Carlos Villanueva, who was scheduled for Wednesday's outing, will start Thursday's series finale against Texas.
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/13/2013) Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija (1-2) yielded two runs and seven hits over six innings during Chicago's 3-2 loss to San Francisco Saturday. In his previous start at Atlanta, he struck out a career-high 13 batters in 5 2/3 innings but managed just five strikeouts against the Giants and walked a batter.
Despite a sub-.500 record, Samardzija has completed at least six innings in two of his three starts and is tied for the National League lead with 27 strikeouts. The right-hander's next scheduled outing comes Friday at Milwaukee. He fanned 16 batters while posting a 2.25 ERA in two starts against the Brewers last season.
Cubs adjust starting rotation
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/13/2013) After scratching Scott Feldman (back) from his next start Wednesday, the Cubs shuffled their rotation for the three-game series against Texas, MLB.com reports. Travis Wood will start Tuesday's series opener as originally planned before being followed by Carlos Villanueva Wednesday and Jeff Samardzija Thursday.
Feldman is expected to rejoin the rotation Saturday at Milwaukee.
Cubs set rotation for Giants' series
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) The Cubs have set their rotation for their upcoming series against San Francisco in the wake of Wednesday's postponed game against the Cubs, MLB.com reports.
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/7/2013)Jeff Samardzija struck out 13 Atlanta batters in a 5-1 Cubs loss Sunday.
Samardzija allowed four runs on four hits and four walks over 5 2/3 innings despite the strikeouts. Samardzija was in deep counts all afternoon and was lifted after 105 pitches. His lack of control not only led to runs but also limited his innings.
But Samardzija's start has been postive with a 2.63 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings.
Jeff Samardzija picks up where he left off
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/2/2013) You know that awesome debut Jeff Samardzija had against the Pirates Monday, when he struck out nine in eight scoreless innings, surrendering two hits and one walk? Yeah.
He was doing the same sort of thing when the Cubs shut him down last September. He pitched seven-plus innings in nine of his final 13 starts, posting a 2.58 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings during that stretch.
Yeah. Breakout central.
If you own Samardzija, you're happy. If you don't, you're hoping he gets blown out in his next start so that whoever does own Samardzija loses faith. Judging by his most recent 14 starts, you should know better than to lose faith in him yourself.
Jeff Samardzija dominates Pirates
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija threw eight strong innings against the Pirates Monday.
Samardzija only gave up two hits and one walk. He struck out nine hitters. After leaving the game in the eighth, Carlos Marmol also blew the team's lead. The Cubs held on, giving Samardzija his first win of the year.
Jeff Samardzija stays sharp in tune-up
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija enjoyed another solid outing during Tuesday's contest against the Reds in Grapefruit League action. Samardzija, who made his sixth start of the spring, allowed a run-scoring single to Emmanuel Burriss in the third for his only damage of the night. He yielded just one run on five hits in five innings of work in his final start of the spring. He also struck out four and did not issue a walk.
Samardzija, who is scheduled to take the mound opening day at Pittsburgh, has allowed 11 runs (10 earned) in 25 2/3 innings of work this spring.
Jeff Samardzija Ks seven vs. M's
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/22/2013) Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija turned in another decent outing in Thursday's contest against the Mariners. Samardzija, who made his fifth start of the spring, allowed a run-scoring single to Jason Bay in the second and two more runs in the third. He also gave up a solo home run to Justin Smoak in the sixth inning.
He also helped his cause with a solo home run in the third and an RBI single in the seventh.
Samardzija yielded four runs -- three earned -- on nine hits in six innings of work. He also struck out seven and did not issue a walk as his ERA rose to 3.92 this spring. He is scheduled to take the mound on opening day for the Cubs April at Pittsburgh.
Heyman: Cubs trying to lock up Jeff Samardzija
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (3/16/2013) CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reported the Cubs have made two attempts to lock up opening-day starter Jeff Samardzija, but the two sides appear far apart. Heyman suggested the Cubs' offer was "well above" the nearly $30 million, five-year deal the Rangers gave Derek Holland last spring. The 27-year-old will make $2.64 million this season, his first of arbitration eligibility.
Samardjzija threw five scoreless innings in Cactus League action against the Rangers on Saturday. He has a 3.68 ERA through four spring starts with an 8-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 14 2/3 innings pitched.
Carlos Villanueva makes opening day rotation
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) The Cubs finalized their rotation plans Thursday for the start of the season. As expected, Jeff Samardzija will start opening day, April 1, at Pittsburgh. He will be followed by Edwin Jackson on April 3 at Pittsburgh and Travis Wood the following day to finish out the Pirates' series. Scott Feldman will then open a three-game series at Atlanta on April 5 and be followed by Carlos Villanueva before the rotation resets. Villanueva, who will be replacing the injured Matt Garza (lat) in the rotation, is 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA and 1.93 WHIP in three spring starts (7 2/3 innings).
Scott Feldman to pitch in second series
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) The Cubs finalized their rotation plans Thursday for the start of the season. As expected, Jeff Samardzija will start opening day, April 1, at Pittsburgh. He will be followed by Edwin Jackson on April 3 at Pittsburgh and Travis Wood the following day to finish the series. Scott Feldman will then open a three-game series at Atlanta on April 5 and be followed by Carlos Villanueva before the rotation resets. Feldman, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA and 2.14 WHIP in three spring starts (seven innings).
Travis Wood to pitch in first series
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) The Cubs finalized their rotation plans Thursday for the start of the season. As expected, Jeff Samardzija will start opening day, April 1, at Pittsburgh. He will be followed by Edwin Jackson on April 3 at Pittsburgh and Travis Wood the following day to finish the series. Scott Feldman will then open a three-game series at Atlanta on April 5 and be followed by Carlos Villanueva before the rotation resets. Wood is 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in four spring outings (one start). He also has 11 strikeouts in 12 innings.
Cubs tab Edwin Jackson as No. 2 starter
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) The Cubs finalized their rotation plans Thursday for the start of the season. As expected, Jeff Samardzija will start opening day, April 1, at Pittsburgh. He will be followed by Edwin Jackson on April 3 at Pittsburgh and Travis Wood the following day to finish the series. Scott Feldman will open a three-game series at Atlanta on April 5 and be followed by Carlos Villanueva before the rotation resets. Jackson, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, is 0-2 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in three spring starts.
D-Backs get to Samardzija
(3/11/2013) After giving up just two runs in his first two starts this spring, Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija did not have the same success in Monday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks. He allowed four runs on four hits over 4 2/3 innings. The right-hander got tagged for a three-spot in the third, which included a two-run homer by Adam Eaton, before surrendering a solo homer to Didi Gregorius in the fifth. Samardzija also struck out two and walked two. "I like pitching against this team," Samardzija told MLB.com. "They play ball the right way, they have an approach the right way -- the whole lineup does -- and they jump on your mistakes. I felt outstanding which was really exciting. It was probably the best I've felt all spring."
Samardzija hit hard by minor leaguers
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/6/2013) Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija might not be a morning person, because he struggled badly in a 10 a.m. start Wednesday against a team composed of Rangers' minor league players. Samardzija tossed four innings in the game and allowed five earned runs on six hits, though afterwards told the Chicago Tribune he was satisfied with his performance. “You know what the intensity of that game is going to be,” he said. “You just kind of take it easy (in spring) and not let your emotions get built up too much over the next few weeks.”
Samardzija tabbed for opening day
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/3/2013) The Cubs have tabbed starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija as the team's opening day starter on Sunday, reports MLB.com. Samardzija will face the Pirates in Pittsburgh on April 1. He's made two spring starts and has gone 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA with two runs allowed over five innings and three strikeouts. “He’s a guy who players rally around because of his work ethic, his bulldog mentality when he’s on the mound,” manager Dale Sveum said. “It’s a very obvious choice, really.”
(3/1/2013) After throwing two innings in his spring debut, Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija upped his workload in Friday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks. He worked three innings and allowed one run on one hit. The right-hander also walked three and struck out one. "Hopefully, I can just keep doing my work and see what happens," said Samardzija, who is a candidate to start opening day. "Today the splitter was a little off, but I thought I got some good work in and they put some good at-bats out there. I got out of a couple jams, and that felt good, too."
Samardzija sharp in spring debut
(2/24/2013) Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija made his first start of the spring on Sunday against the Giants. He allowed one run on three hits over two innings of work. The right-hander also struck out two and issued no walks while throwing 13 pitches, all for strikes, in the 4-3 win. "I was happy with how things went," he said. "The no walks and fastball command was important."
Samardzija arrives in great shape
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/10/2013) ESPN reports Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija has reported to camp in excellent shape. “Jeff looks a little better than he did last year when he reported for camp,” Cubs pitching coach Chris Bosio said. “The solid year he had last season, learning how to set up hitters and learning how to change speeds, has carried over. He is great shape. After running an hour and a half up Camelback Mountain (Tuesday) he threw a solid 30-pitch bullpen. He is in a pretty good place right now.” Samardzija said he learned a great deal from his first full season as a starter in 2012. “I was able to learn how to control my emotions when things got a little hairy on the mound,” Samardzija said. “I was able to learn to subtract rather than to add velocity when I was in a jam. Once I crossed that road, where I learned I didn’t have to push harder, you start to see better results and get rewarded for learning better technique.”
Samardzija agrees with Cubs
(1/18/2013) The Cubs and starter Jeff Samardzija agreed to a one-year, $2.64 million contract on Friday, avoiding arbitration. Samardzija enjoyed a career campaign in his first year in the rotation last season, going 9-13 with a 3.81 ERA in 28 starts.
