Two dark horses in mix as Ross gets 16 pitchers
First-year manager David Ross had been leaning toward keeping an extra pitcher on the roster if he got his way, and his wish was granted. The Cubs finalized their 30-man roster Thursday ahead of Opening Day and will carry 16 pitchers and 14 position players.
The bullpen has been the biggest question mark for the Cubs since spring training, and the decision to keep 16 pitchers is an attempt to address some of the concerns.
“It was difficult,” Ross said. “Some guys really stood out. Some guys who were throwing really well in Arizona took a step back, and some guys that weren’t throwing as well in Arizona took a step forward in the downtime. So trying to weigh options is so hard and difficult, and in such a unique environment where you’re facing your own team.”
While there were no shockers on the position-player side, the biggest surprises among pitchers were the additions of left-handed non-roster invitee Rex Brothers and right-hander Dillon Maples.
Both pitchers throw mid-to-upper90s fastballs and wipeout breaking balls, which undoubtedly helped their cases to make the team.
“It is real stuff down there,” Ross said. “Both those guys. I mean, when you look at Rex and the journey, if you look back a little ways, he’s had a lot of success, and the guy’s been through some injuries. The guy’s been through some things that can mess with you mentally when you go through those ordeals. And he’s come into our camp and done nothing but prove himself.
“Dillon’s stuff is real. He’s got to continue to develop. He’s a guy that I know I have a lot of faith in to continue to move forward. Nobody likes facing him. You talk to our hitters, they don’t like facing him. The slider is a real weapon . . . .
“If this guy takes a couple more steps forward, look out. I mean, he’ll be pitching big innings for us.”
Maples, 28, has struggled with his command during his brief stints in the big leagues, and his ability to control the strike zone will be the key for him this season. While his 8.5 walks per nine innings in 29 career games is concerning, his eye-popping 15.3 strikeouts per nine innings makes him an intriguing option. Maples won’t have outings to waste as the Cubs fight for a playoff spot, but they’ll continue to give him opportunities with the hopes of him pitching in meaningful games soon.
“It’s not about development in the big leagues right now — it can’t be, in a 60-game season,” team president Theo Epstein said. “But Rossy, in fighting for him to be on the team, I think has an idea of how he wants to use him. Maybe pick some spots for him early. That makes sense, given his arsenal.”
Descalso out; Dietrich in
Second baseman Daniel Descalso was put on the 45-day injured list after spraining his left ankle in the Cubs’ final exhibition game Wednesday. Lefthander Jose Quintana was put on the 10-day IL (retroactive to July 20) as he recovers from surgery on the sensory nerve in his left thumb. Former Reds utilityman Derek Dietrich announced on Instagram that he signed with the Cubs. The team hadn’t announced it.
Napoli out with COVID-19
Quality assurance coach Mike Napoli tested positive for the coronavirus before the Cubs’ intake screening process earlier this month, the team announced Thursday. Napoli has been absent from summer camp and gave the team permission to share his status.