Cubs manager David Ross had been leaning toward keeping an extra pitcher on the roster if he “got his way,” and the first-year skipper will have his wish granted. The Cubs finalized their 30-man roster on Thursday and will feature 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 will attempt to address some of their concerns.
“It was difficult. 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,” Ross said. “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 among the position players, , the decision to add left-handed non-roster invitee Rex Brothers and right-hander Dillon Maples were the biggest surprises of Thursday’s roster moves.
Both pitchers feature mid-to-upper 90s fastballs and wipeout breaking balls in their repertoire, which undoubtedly helped their case 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 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, lookout. 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 the ability to control the strike zone will be the key for him this season.
While the Maples’ 8.5 BB/9 in 29 career games is concerning, his eye-popping 15.3 K/9 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 sooner rather than later.
“It’s not about development in the big leagues right now. It can’t be in a 60-game season,” 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 to the 45-day injured list
Second baseman Daniel Descalso was placed on the 45-day injured list with a left ankle sprain he sustained in Wednesday’s final exhibition game. José Quintana was placed on the 10-day IL (retroactive to July 20) as he recovers from surgery on the sensory nerve in his left thumb.
Napoli out with COVID-19
Quality assurance coach Mike Napoli tested positive for coronavirus prior to the team’s intake screening process, the Cubs announced on Thursday. Napoli has been absent from summer camp and gave the team permission to update his status.
