Bullpen reinforcements are on the way!
After the Cubs dropped their sixth straight game because of more pitching problems last night, a few roster moves were made to get some much needed help for the struggling bullpen.
This afternoon, the Cubs announced that RHP Carl Edwards Jr. was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. Taking his spot on the roster is RHP Allen Webster. Webster, 29, pitched a few innings out of the Cubs bullpen last September, and they were his first appearances since 2015. Webster impressed in spring training, tossing 12 innings, striking out 11 and walking 3. His 97 mph fastball was impressive, and has the type of fire-power the Cubs need in the bullpen.
In a separate move, the Cubs also placed Mike Montgomery on the 10-day injured list with a mild left lat strain. Montgomery struggled mightily out of the gate after dealing with a shoulder issue this past spring. Taking his place is LHP Kyle Ryan, who had a 2.84 ERA in 12.2 innings pitched this spring. Ryan spent 4 seasons with Detroit and has a career 3.87 ERA in 128 innings pitched.
These moves come as no surprise as Edwards and Randy Rosario were the only guys that still had minor-league options left. Edwards had worked on a new delivery over the spring that was deemed illegal by MLB. That could have contributed to his early season struggles and it makes sense for him to go down to Iowa to work on things.
To make room for Webster, the Cubs designated Jen-Ho Tseng for assignment. Tseng was once a Minor League Pitcher of the Year for the Cubs, but was never able to take advantage of the brief opportunities he got at the big-league level. It’s very possible that Tseng will clear waivers and go back into the Cubs minor league system.
Here is hoping the new bullpen additions will help get the Cubs pitching staff in the right order.
