The Chicago Cubs bullpen is getting a reinforcement.
The call-up of right-hander Keegan Thompson earlier than Thursday’s collection opener in opposition to the Pittsburgh Pirates grew to become the primary domino to assist an overworked bullpen. Thompson, who changed optioned right-hander Michael Rucker because the corresponding transfer, provides supervisor David Ross a multi-inning reliever who seemingly will probably be utilized in two-inning stretches.
The Cubs’ final eight video games have been determined by two runs or fewer, resulting in heavier reliever utilization, notably the again finish of the bullpen.
“It‘s definitely taken a toll,” President Jed Hoyer said Thursday. “This is August, this is the dog days and the guys that feel it the most I think are the the bullpen guys. … We haven’t gotten any actually deep begins and we haven’t been blown out and we’re not blowing individuals out.
“The reality is that if we keep doing that, we’re going to have to rely on guys in high leverage or guys that haven’t closed before and that’s just the reality of having to do that over and over.”
Left-hander Drew Smyly is also rejoining the bullpen, Hoyer mentioned Thursday. The Cubs will want a starter for Sunday’s collection finale to switch Smyly. He is again within the pen after permitting seven runs in 3 2/3 innings Tuesday in Detroit — his first begin since Aug. 7 following three reduction appearances. Left-hander Jordan Wicks, their 2021 first-round decide, may very well be in play to make his major-league debut Sunday at PNC Park.
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.
“It’s been fun to watch the guys come on the streak they’ve had so it’s nice to be back up here and hopefully be a part of that,” Thompson mentioned Thursday of the Cubs’ postseason push.
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 checklist with a again damage from mid-June to late July. The automated ball-strike system (ABS) at Triple A required an adjustment to a smaller strike zone.
“When I went down there, I definitely struggled at first; I was struggling throwing strikes up here to begin with and that’s one of the reasons why I got sent down and then with a smaller strike zone, I struggled with that as well,” Thompson mentioned. “And so it was a little bit of an adjustment, but overall (ABS) was definitely interesting for sure.”
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.
Thompson couldn’t pinpoint one cause for his lowering stroll price currently however believes confidence and aggressiveness within the zone have performed a task in limiting free passes.
“I just had some ups and downs and struggled a little bit and just needed a little bit of time to work on that and maybe some mechanical stuff,” Thompson mentioned. “I’m just glad to be back up here.”
Recalling Thompson gives a possible increase for a taxed bullpen. Manager David Ross’ three greatest 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 outdated kind can be an enormous increase for the Cubs down the stretch.
Thompson was anticipated to play a precious position as a multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen after posting a 1.47 ERA in 12 reduction appearances (36 2/3 innings) in 2022.
At this level of the season, the Cubs are positioned to cycle via relievers as wanted. More constant, deeper begins by the rotation would assist with that endeavor, although the unknowns of what they will confidently anticipate out of whomever fills the fifth spot within the rotation provides a wrinkle to the equation. The Cubs are attempting to determine what bodily exercise right-hander Marcus Stroman can do whereas sidelined by his proper rib cartilage fracture to keep away from him turning into deconditioned. He has conveyed to the group that he believes he’ll return by the tip of the season. Stroman is feeling higher however isn’t but pain-free and is constant to comply with the remainder program from his house in Tampa, Fla.
Right-hander Ben Brown (left lat/indirect) is scheduled to throw a bullpen Friday. If it goes effectively, the Cubs may have a greater timeline of when he might get right into a sport. Getting him again in any capability would supply a raise for the Cubs. His 40-man roster standing gives an alternative choice in September in both a reduction position or as a starter, relying on how a lot he can get stretched out.
It’s stays unclear how a lot the Cubs can depend on right-handers Brad Boxberger (proper forearm pressure) or Nick Burdi (appendectomy) heading into the ultimate month of the season. Boxberger’s rehab task continues with Iowa whereas Burdi’s is paused as he undergoes analysis.
Thompson is the primary of a wide range of choices the Cubs are ready to depend on with 35 video games to go. The group’s next-man-up mentality and effectiveness will probably be examined.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com