Skenes struck out just two batters, a career low, and gave up loud contact from the first pitch. He retired the Cubs in order in the first but Ian Happ, Tucker and Suzuki all made loud outs, the exit velocity on all three of the outs registering more than 90 mph.

Swanson's home run came on an 0-2 count, making it the second time Skenes had given up a homer in that situation. ( New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil homered on an 0-2 count against him last July.

In corresponding moves, the Cubs transferred right-hander Javier Assad from the 15-day IL to the 60-day and optioned left-handed reliever Tom Cosgrove to Triple-A.