Articles by Mark Gonzales

World

Cubs catching prospect Owen Ayers getting his groove back in Arizona Fall League

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — What appeared to be the end of a disappointing season has transformed into a revival for Owen Ayers.After breaking his right hand with five weeks left in Class-A Myrtle Beach’s season and relegated to rehabbing in the lonely, oppressive heat of Mesa, Arizona, Ayers is enjoying a rebirth in the Arizona Fall League.Ayers, a 19th-round pick of the Cubs in the 2024 amateur draft, seized attention with his strong arm and high rate of throwing out base stealers. And he has shown no effects of hand soreness at the plate, as evidenced by his 1.264 OPS in 12 games with the Mesa...