Because he’s versatile. Not all pitchers can flip between different roles effectively.
Chicago Cubs 2026
Good to see your #1 prospect take responsibility. Of course, would rather he didn’t have to, but things happen during a long season. As long as it is a reoccurring theme, really no issue.
I would think the 8 relievers will be, once Cabrera gets back, will be Rea, Peterson, Assad, Thornton, Zeferjahn, Rolison, Webb and Theilbar. Hold back Palencia until the rosters expand in Sept. That is a solid relief core. Craig now has legitimate options late in games.
You could see just last night that the added depth Zeferjahn brings made a difference.
And the point you make about taking it slow with Palencia is important. I could see the Cubs also taking a little extra time to make sure Cabrera is right as well. As good as Assad has been lately, no reason to rush him back.
Gausman added to the roster. Kelly down to Iowa.
Much better rehab start than his first for Cabrera today. Threw 4 innings and gave up one hit and an unearned run with 8 Ks at Iowa.
Not Cubs related, but I thought interesting. Saw that Cincy’s Sal Stewart is on pace for 35 HRs and 124 RBIs. Great trivia question — only three rookies have hit both the 35 HR and 120 RBI thresholds. Pete Alonso and Albert Pujols are two of them. Hats off to you if you can name the third without looking it up (he’s not a Cub).
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Did he work out with Taillon this off season?
indeed nice to sweep LA
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
I’ll guess Bob Horner
Last year, he was coming in to face one hitter(a lefty) and he was done. It was a specialized role. This year, given all of the injuries, he's being asked to come in and get 3 outs. That wasn't his role and it's showing.
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
I looked it up. Never would have guessed it. It’s not Horner.
Looked it up and you're right.....0% chance I would have gotten it right.
Then why would anyone care?
Last year, all relievers had to face at least 3 batters, so that's not true.
You had to face 3 batters.....unless it was the end of an inning, right? Or am I incorrect there?
I know he was coming in to get lefties, but like you said, depending on where they are in the order, if it's L, R, L.....he got all three hitters in.
Last year, he pitched in 67 games and totaled 58 innings. That's less than an inning per game that he pitched in. He definitely had a role.
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He'd mostly go for 3 batters, and if he didn't get them all out, it would result in less than an inning.
I dug into it because, well, why not. In 16 of his appearances, he went less than an inning. Counsell was able to be a lot more selective in his usage last year. This year he's used out of pure necessity to get a warm body on the mound.
I believe that when Palencia comes back, Theilbar will either be DFAd or sprout an injury. I would rather have these 8 in the pen which are Thornton, Rea, Peterson, Assad, Palencia, Rolison, Zeferjahn and Webb. Loaded bull pen.
Yeah, I wouldn’t have guessed it. I was happy I had even heard of the guy. I’m guessing some on here haven’t. Another fun fact about the guy in question. Despite driving in 100 plus runs six years straight including seasons of 35 HRs, 142 RBIs and .330 BA and 42, 162 and .343, he never played in an all-star game.
I think there's going to be real argument to be made for Peterson in lieu of Cabrera if his trajectory continues in this direction. He's looked like the All Star pitcher in the first half of last year. Cabrera had been struggling to find the zone.
After all of the chaos surrounding the staff with all of the injuries, it's coming together. Having a lot of options in both the starting rotation and the bullpen is a great problem to have.
Also, the fact that Happ is sitting....they aren't joking around this year. Hoyer did everything one could reasonably expect at the deadline and Counsell has tools to play with and is playing guys who give us the best chance to win.
Added bonus of this week. The Cubs have gotten staff aces thrown at them all week. Tomorrow they get Cease. This is exactly what they need.
Is it Mario Mendoza?
220 batters faced. That's a lot of lefties.