Cubs manager David Ross texts Pirates' Derek Shelton about comments

CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs manager David Ross reached out to Derek Shelton on Friday night after the Pittsburgh Pirates skipper took exception to Ross’ description of the Pirates.

The contending Cubs dropped two of three in a series against the Pirates this week. Following the Pirates’ 8-6 win Thursday at Wrigley Field, Ross said: “That’s not a good team that just took two out of three from us — or not our caliber team, I believe.”

Shelton called Ross’ comment “unfortunate.”

“I texted Shelton last night, like, ‘Hey, just frustrated after a game,’ ” Ross told reporters before Saturday’s 6-3 victory over Colorado. “I’ve got a ton of respect for every team we play, not just Pittsburgh. Every team can win. I thought I corrected myself within the context of talking to you guys.”

Chicago went 10-3 against Pittsburgh this season, outscoring the Pirates, 101-49. Ross said he was talking more about how his team had played against the Pirates this year.

“I think Derek and that crew over there has done a really nice job,” Ross said. “Part of this job, you’re not always going to be perfect in these meetings and sometimes after a game, postgame, you’re going to say things that probably don’t come out the right way.”