MILWAUKEE -- With Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler activated from the disabled list before Friday's 5-2 win over the Brewers, Albert Almora Jr. was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to make room. When Almora was playing for Iowa, he planned on marrying his longtime girlfriend Krystal in a civil ceremony in Des Moines, but on the date they had set, he was called up to the Cubs.
On Thursday, Almora finally tied the knot at a Chicago courthouse and teammates Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell and Justin Grimm were present. On Friday, Almora found out he's headed back to Iowa. "It's bittersweet," Almora said. "Now I get to go and work every day and try to get better and come back and help the team whenever that is."
The young outfielder will be back.
"He's a big part of what we were doing the last month or so," Maddon said. "He shall return."
The message Maddon gave Almora was that he belongs in the big leagues.
"I'm confident in my ability," Almora said. "I'm confident I can play here, 100 percent."
Almora also was confident that Krystal could handle the move. The two are expecting their first child Sept. 6.
"She's a warrior and we'll get through this together," he said.
• Joe Nathan, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, was scheduled to pitch for Iowa on Friday but the game was postponed. Maddon said he wasn't sure what the plans were for the right-hander, who is eligible to come off the disabled list.
• The Cubs announced the Aug. 14 game against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field will start at 7:08 p.m. CT and broadcast on ESPN. The game time had been listed as "to be determined."