Theo Epstein says the Chicago Cubs will no longer publicly address their plans regarding Jeff Samardzija, who is under club control for another two seasons.

There have been rumors of a possible new contract or a trade throughout the offseason.

"We talked about it early in spring training," Epstein said. "We indulged the questions. Right now we're just focused on the games and just going out and winning."

Samardzija started for Chicago on Opening Day, striking out three and allowing five hits over seven shutout innings in a 1-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 10 innings.