CHICAGO -- It was just a scheduled day off -- nothing more. That was the explanation Cubs manager David Ross offered on Thursday morning, when his lineup for the afternoon did not include franchise cornerstones Kris Bryant or Anthony Rizzo.

Try telling that to Cubs fans, who have undoubtedly been hitting refresh and rapidly scrolling social media for the latest on whether any of Chicago's stars are staying or leaving before Friday's 3 p.m. CT Trade Deadline.

"Stay off Twitter," Ross said with a laugh as he left the home dugout to prepare for Thursday's game against the Reds.

As the trade chatter and transactions continued to gain momentum throughout Thursday, Bryant and Rizzo monitored the Cubs' 7-4 loss to the Reds from the bench. There remains a real chance one (or both) could be dealt before Friday, as the front office maps out the team's future course.

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During Thursday's game, the Cubs traded setup man Ryan Tepera to the White Sox for Minor League lefty Bailey Horn. That followed recent trades that shipped lefty Andrew Chafin (A's) and outfielder Joc Pederson (Braves) out of town for prospects.

Chicago's biggest trade chips remaining are Bryant and closer Craig Kimbrel. Rizzo and, perhaps to a lesser extent, shortstop Javier Báez are also possibilities. Any number of others on short-term deals could also be flipped for farmhands.

Another key member of the Cubs' core, catcher Willson Contreras, launched a towering two-run homer in the loss. The blast was projected by Statcast at a career-best 464 feet for Contreras, who is under team control through next year and is likely to stay put through this Deadline.