The Chicago Cubs sit at 5-3 on the year as they are in the middle of the series finale with the Los Angeles Dodgers. They started the year with the Texas Rangers going 1-2 in the series against the defending World Series Champions. Then they swept the Colorado Rockies in the three-game Set. They have split 1-1 with the Dodgers but lead in the fourth inning, five to zip. This would be a great start if they can finish with a series win and end up being 6-3 to start the season. They will head to San Diego next to play a three-game series with The Padres.
RHP – James Taillon
The Cubs have sent Taillon to the Tennessee Smokies for a rehab assignment. Taillon has yet to pitch in the regular season and would be a welcome addition to the rotation with fellow rotation mate Juston Steele still out due to Hamstring concerns. Taillon finished with an 8-10 record last year in 29 starts and recorded a 4.84 ERA on the year.
RHP – Julian Merryweather
The Cubs have placed Merryweather on the 15-day injured list retroactive to April 6th with a right shoulder strain. Merryweather has appeared in four games for the Cubs so far this year in 4.2 innings of work. He has a 1.93 ERA, four hits, two walks, six strikeouts, and a 1.29 WHIP.
RHP – Daniel Palencia
The Chicago Cubs have recalled Palencia from the Iowa Cubs. Palencia has appeared in two games, pitching 2.2 innings, allowing four hits, four earned runs, three walks, And striking out four. His ERA Is 13.50, with a 2.63 WHIP So far for Iowa.
Wrap Up:
The Cubs could use a healthy Taillon back in the rotation, especially while Justin Steele remains out. The veteran right-hander would allow Ben Brown to find a role, perhaps in the bullpen, or be sent down to Iowa to continue to start games for the Cubs until needed again with the big club. Merryweather’s injury is concerning, considering his essential role in the team’s bullpen. He was a pivotal piece to the puzzle last year and appeared ready to do the same for new manager Craig Counsell this year.
