22 Matt Garza, SP

Cubs starter Matt Garza threw seven shutout innings in a no decision against the Mets.

Garza allowed just three hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out five and lowered his ERA to 4.98. However, Carlos Marmol served up a walk-off three-run home run in the ninth inning to blow the game for Garza. At least the outing raised Garza's trade stock, which could mean less heartbreak in future starts.

The Cubs are exploring trades before the July 31 deadline, according to ESPNChicago.com. 

Although he didn't mention specific players, general manager Theo Epstein confirmed the team was looking into opportunities. "We are trying to assess where we are and the needs of the other 29 teams," Epstein said.

He added, "this is kind of a long process to put together. You don't just wake up on July 31 and decide you are going to make a trade one way or the other." Epstein said the team has to be prepared for anything. 

Matt Garza was thought to be available last season and could find himself on the trading block again. The team will probably also entertain dealing other pitchers. 

Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza was hit hard as he suffered his first loss of the season Tuesday night against the Reds.

Garza (1-1) had a hard time keeping the ball in the park as he served up homers to Todd Frazier, Joey Votto and Xavier Paul. He surrendered a season-high nine runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out three in five innings pitched in a 12-2 loss.

Garza has a 6.26 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP in five starts. He is scheduled to make his next start Sunday against the Mets at Citi Field.

Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza battled though a tough start Wednesday against the Angels, eventually earning a no-decision in a game that went into extra innings.

Garza fell behind early in the game on a two-run home run in the second inning, and eventually fell behind 4-1 in the fourth inning, before the Cubs' offense battled back. He pitched into the seventh inning for the second start in a run, and exited the game with a 5-4 lead, before the bullpen allowed the Angels to tie the game.

Garza was ultimately tagged with four runs on seven hits and a walk in 6 1/3 innings, in the no-decision. He is 1-0 on the season through his first four starts, and his ERA rose to 4.03 with this outing. His next start is scheduled for Tuesday against the Reds at home.