The Chicago Cubs bullpen is getting a reinforcement.
Right-hander Keegan Thompson was on a flight Thursday morning from Chicago to Pittsburgh — the place the Cubs start a four-game collection Thursday night time at PNC Park — and shall be recalled earlier than the collection opener, the Tribune has discovered. The Cubs don’t announce any roster strikes till shortly earlier than they take the sphere for pregame work.
Thompson, 28, has been with Triple-A Iowa for the reason that Cubs optioned him May 19 after extended inconsistencies. He owned a 4.22 ERA with 14 walks and 16 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings earlier than his demotion.
Thompson’s struggles continued at Iowa, the place he surrendered 24 runs, 24 hits and 20 walks and struck out 27 in 16 2/3 innings over his first 12 outings. He additionally missed 5 weeks whereas on the injured listing from mid-June to late July.
He confirmed improved command in his final 4 appearances — all a minimum of two innings — courting to Aug. 9. Thompson issued only one stroll in 8 1/3 innings in that span whereas tallying eight strikeouts and permitting two earned runs.
Recalling Thompson offers a possible enhance for a taxed bullpen. Manager David Ross’ three finest high-leverage choices — right-handers Mark Leiter Jr. (56), Julian Merryweather (55) and Adbert Alzolay (50) — have every exceeded profession highs in appearances with 5 weeks left within the season.
Veteran right-hander Michael Fulmer has been getting extra late-inning alternatives in key spots too. But having Thompson again and doubtlessly recapturing his previous type can be an enormous enhance for the Cubs down the stretch.
Thompson was anticipated to play a useful function as a multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen after posting a 1.47 ERA in 12 aid appearances (36 2/3 innings) in 2022.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com