Notes: Counsell announced the starting pitcher for the Cubs' Cactus League opener Thursday against the Dodgers.

The Chicago Cubs hit a patch of uncharacteristic ... I don’t think he would have signed with that team.” That tension, according to Cubs manager Craig Counsell, has apparently been eased.

"Sometimes, the language barrier makes you lazy, unfortunately," Counsell said. "That’s on me. I got to get way better at that. And will." ...