Drew Smyly loses perfect game on infield collision in Cubs win

Drew Smyly and Yan Gomes tumbled to the grass under a sunny sky at a picturesque Wrigley Field. Reclining on his side for one brief moment, Smyly grinned.

It was over, but it was a really fun afternoon for the Chicago Cubs.

Smyly lost his bid for a perfect game when he collided with his catcher while trying to field an eighth-inning dribbler that went for an infield single in a 13-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.

“That’s a tough way to end it,” Smyly said. “You feel like you’re really close.”

THIS is how Drew Smyly's perfect game bid ends??? pic.twitter.com/AHaiPZ0pA7

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 21, 2023

Cubs, Drew Smyly near deal for 2023 season, sources say

The Chicago Cubs are closing in on an agreement with left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN on Sunday.

Smyly, 33, made 22 starts last season for Chicago, pitching well in the second half after dealing with an oblique strain in late May. For the season, he was 7-8 with a 3.47 ERA, which included a 0.90 ERA over five stellar starts in August.

The nine-year veteran will rejoin a rotation that includes Marcus Stroman, newcomer Jameson Taillon and youngster Justin Steele. The Cubs also have Keegan Thompson and Adrian Sampson available to start along with holdover Kyle Hendricks, who is recovering from a shoulder ailment.