Righty Alzolay’s hard work pays off with roster spot
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Adbert Alzolay came into camp with one goal in mind: making the Cubs’ Opening Day roster. It wasn’t going to be easy, and with some difficult roster decisions looming, it looked as if Alzolay’s time wasn’t going to come.
The 26-year-old right-hander has pitched in multiple roles this spring, starting and coming out of the bullpen. That flexibility likely would be the easiest way for him to crack the roster.
“My main thing is to make the roster,” Alzolay said last week. “As a swingman or a starter right now, it doesn’t matter — I want to make the roster. But long-term, yes, I feel that I’m ready to start every five days.”
Despite learning earlier in the week that he would have an additional minor-league option, which could have hindered his chances of making the Opening Day roster in his ninth season in the organization, Alzolay got the news he had waited for.
“Adbert’s on the team,” manager David Ross said Saturday. “We’ll map out his role and get back to you guys on that, but I’m excited for Adbert.”
Alzolay saved his best for last in terms of his performance. Against what was likely the Dodgers’ Opening Day lineup, he dominated over 3‰ innings, striking out five. It left a lasting impression on his manager, who gave him the good news Saturday.
“He’s put in a lot of good work. It’s really shown,” Ross said. “He really had a great performance the other night against a really deep Dodgers world championship team that had a lot of All-Stars. He kind of rolled through that lineup, so that was impressive to see. He’s earned this opportunity that he gets.”
Not only will Alzolay break camp with the Cubs, but he will join the rotation as the team’s fifth starter. Right-hander Alec Mills, who was competing for the job, will begin the season as the team’s swingman. Alzolay will make his first start against the Brewers on April 6 and will have an opportunity to build off a successful 2020 season. He had a 2.95 ERA in six games (four starts) last season.
The Cubs will have an innings limit for Alzolay as he navigates his first full majorleague season and likely will shift from the rotation and bullpen throughout the year.
“I’ve definitely seen maturity,” Ross said. “What I’ve seen is a guy that is a lot freer walking around the clubhouse. Talking to everybody, [his] personality is out. Who he is really shining through, a lot of smiles. But when he gets on the mound, he’s doing work, he’s taking the feedback and asking the right question.
“He was extremely happy when I told him the good news. It makes me feel good when you get to tell somebody that and you know how much work they’ve put in and how much they’ve grown. Making that Opening Day roster and getting that news is big, and Adbert was fired up. It was nice to be able to deliver that news to somebody that you see put in real work.”