The Cubs’ biggest need, with about a week before the July 31 deadline, is starting pitching. Lugo, who held the Cubs to four hits and two runs in six innings Wednesday, will be highly sought after by contending teams if the Royals make him available. But their trade deadline direction is unclear.

With now just over a week to go ahead of the MLB trade deadline, real reports of discussions between teams are starting to surface rather than just rumors or id

Ahead of their afternoon series finale against the Cubs, the Royals placed infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin on the seven-day concussion injured list and summoned, in his place, outfielder MJ Melendez from the Storm Chasers.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit two homers and drove in four runs to lead the visiting Kansas City Royals to an 8-4 win over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.

Matt Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong hit solo shots for the Cubs, who entered tied with Milwaukee for first place in the NL Central and the best record in the majors.

Its Wednesday, July 23 and the Royals (49-53) are in Chicago to close out their series with the Cubs (60-41). Seth Lugo is slated to take the mound for Kansas City against Colin Rea for Chicago.

A bruised right knee kept Pete Crow-Armstrong out of the lineup for Monday’s game against the Kansas City Royals.

The Kansas City Royals placed infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin on the seven-day concussion injured list and recalled outfielder MJ Melendez from Triple-A Omaha before Wednesday afternoon’s series finale against the Cubs in Chicago.